Rebecca Coleman: The Kingdom of Childhood

7. During the scene in which Zach comes over to spend the night, he reflects on his first kiss with Judy. In the version he remembers, she was the aggressor, which is quite different from the earlier version told from Judy’s point of view in which the kiss is instigated by Zach. Which version did you believe?

8. In Part II, after Zach feels Judy forced herself on him in the car when he was sick, his attitude toward her changes significantly. Still, he continues to be with her. Have you ever had the experience of being in a relationship you knew was toxic while finding it impossible to let the person go?

9. Throughout the story, numerous people—Sandy Valera, Temple, Rhianne—attempt to interfere with the affair (to the extent that they know about it). Yet none is truly successful in making a difference. Did you feel any of these characters pushed too hard, or not hard enough, in their attempts? How do you think they could have been more effective?

10. Although it isn’t mentioned in the book, the story is set around the same time as the real-life conviction of teacher Mary Kay Letourneau for her relationship with a twelve-year-old student. Such cases are not uncommon in the news, and often the perpetrator is a devoted teacher who has a spouse and children. The question always asked is, “Why would she risk everything for an affair with a boy?” Did the story leave you with a different perspective on how these events occur? Do you believe that such relationships are criminal?

11. At the end of the book, did Judy redeem herself to you in any way? Did you feel pity for her? Also at the end of the book, Zach is experiencing the birth of his sister. Did you have the sense that his life would get back on track after this, or that the story’s events would continue to complicate things for him?

ISBN: 978-1-4592-1383-8

THE KINGDOM OF CHILDHOOD

Copyright © 2011 by Rebecca Coleman

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