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READING GROUP GUIDE

1. After reading chapter one, discuss all that you’ve learned about Thom so far. What is his family situation; what are his challenges and gifts? Predict what you think Thom will learn over the course of the novel and how he might change.
   
   
2. Why does Coach tell Thom that he can no longer be on the team? How would you have handled this situation? How would your parents react?
   
   
3. Explain how Thom ends up being invited to try out for the League. What does he realize about his own powers and potential? Do we all have gifts that we don’t know how to either tap or control? How do we develop them?
   
   
4. Would you want to join the League? What super powers would you most like to have? How would you use them? Do you think extraordinary powers like this could corrupt someone? Why or why not?
   
   
5. What are the secrets that rule life in the Creed house? Does your family avoid talking about certain issues or events too? Why do you think so many families operate like this? What does Thom learn about his parents?
   
   
6. How do Thom’s dad’s expectations of Thom differ from the dreams Thom holds for himself? What expectations weigh you down? Can they ever be positive too?
   
   
7. Describe how Goran and Thom’s friendship develops over time. At first they dislike each other. Why? How do men’s friendships differ from women’s? How do Thom and Goran come to trust each other?
   
   
8. The novel is replete with odd characters with quirky skills and habits. Which character is your favorite? Why? Who would you most like to become friends with? What does Thom learn about himself and relationships from each member of his team?
   
   
9. Ruth tells Thom, “You can’t go on like you’re going to start living one day, like all this is some preamble to some great life that’s magically going to appear. . . Don’t Wait.” What is she telling Thom to do? Is there anything you are waiting for to make you happy? How can you be in charge of your own happiness?
   
   
10. Why is Hal Creed leading a life in disgrace? What happened that fateful day? What do you think it would be like to live as a pariah in your community? How difficult would it be to be Hal’s son? Despite his public persona, how is Hal a real hero to Thom? What is he willing to suffer to provide for his son? What does Thom finally learn about his father’s true role in the Wilson Tower events?
    
    
11. “Everyone in the world should have at least one moment in their lifetime when an entire crowd of people cheers them on for something, one moment to feel exceptional, one moment that lets you know you really do mean something to the universe.” (page 191) Do you think this happens for most people or not? How would it happen for you? What would you gain if it did?
    
    
12. Would you have forgiven Thom’s mom for her disappearance from his life or not? How do kids deal with abandonment? Is there ever a good reason for a parent to leave? How does she try to redeem herself in the end? Is it enough?
    
    
13. Compare your first true kiss with that of Thom’s. How are they similar? Describe the “perfect first kiss”. Is it possible to achieve? Like Thom, have you ever had a crush on a famous figure? Why do you think we have crushes?
    
    
14. In the end, how do things turn out with Goran and Thom? Do you think their relationship has a better chance of surviving because of what they’ve been through together?
    
    
15. Describe the showdown scene at Wilson Memorial Tower. Who are the major players in the action? How is it finally resolved? Which part was your favorite? Did you visualize the events as if they were a movie as you read?
    
    
16. What is unique about you? Do you think you have any differences that set you apart from others? Can these differences be empowering?