Who are the characters that revolve around Sammy’s life? Which is your favorite? Why? How does Van Draanen develop them for the reader?
Describe Sammy. Would you, like Grams, want to have her as your best friend through middle school? Why or why not?
Compare Marissa’s life to Sammy’s. What are the differences between them? Why does Marissa consider Sammy lucky despite living in the Senior Highrise?
Do you think Sammy gets herself in deeper trouble or does it just find her somehow? Do you think she’s capable of staying out of a mystery? Are you?
Find a favorite description (or scene of dialogue) from one of the Sammy Keyes mysteries. What did you learn as a writer by studying this part? What can you apply to your next piece of writing?
Which of the Sammy Keyes mysteries is your favorite? Why? What elements make a terrific mystery?
7.What is it about Hudson Graham that makes Sammy confide in him? Do you have someone like Hudson in your life?
8.Van Draanen often uses cliffhanger chapter endings. What purpose do these serve?
9.In almost all Sammy Keyes books there are three plotlines woven together—Sammy’s school life, her home life, and the mystery. How does this structure help move the story along?
