Do you think Tessa is justified in publically sharing their secrets? What is being said about the mother-daughter relationship between Lauren and Tessa?ħ. Tessa's video blog offers an outlet for the expression of her feelings about her mother, Lauren, as well as Lauren's group of parent friends. In the end, what do you think of these friendships? Would they have continued happily, indefinitely, if Crystal Academy hadn't come along?Ħ. Now consider the secrets that many of the characters kept and the hurtful behaviors of which they were guilty. Consider the good things that these families have contributed to each other. Consider the supportive roles that neighboring families can play in the raising of children within a shared community. competition privilege vs prestige? What role does privilege play in this story? What about ambition? Insecurity? How do the ambitions of some of the characters relate to prestige?ĥ.

How does the novel make you think about intelligence vs. Do you understand the general anxieties of this community of parents? Why do they feel so competitive about this school, given the fact that their children are already doing well in the previously available institutions? If you do consider the parents' motivations and intentions justified, do you also understand the behaviors that follow? What would you have done in a similar situation?Ĥ. What are their responses to the pressures placed on them by their parental figures? In what ways do their families shape their behavior? Who among them will thrive as an adult?ģ. What is your opinion of the children? Discuss the characters of Emma Z, Emma Q, Zander, Tessa, Atik, and twins Aidan and Charlie. What is your opinion of the families at the center of The Gifted School? Do you have different opinions about the various sets of parents: Rose and Gareth, Samantha and Kevin, Beck and Azra, Ch'ayna and Silea, and Lauren? If so, with whom do you sympathize most? Who do you relate to? Who is most at fault? Who do you think are the best parents for their children overall?Ģ.

The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger