Character Critique

Who was your favorite character? Who was your least favorite character? Use examples from the book to explain your feelings.

Are athletes above the law?

Athletes are paid an extremely high salary to perform a job that allows them to play a game. Sometimes these athletes make poor choices on and off the field, causing them to get into trouble. How do you feel about athletes that do the wrong thing, but are still allowed to play their sport with only facing minor consequences. If Erik was in the NFL, and he had stolen jewelry and helped kill someone, should he still be allowed to play? Would you want your favorite player to still be allowed to play if he committed the crimes that Erik did?

The Story Goes On....

Extend the story. If you were Edward Bloor, the author, what would you include in a sequel of Tangerine. Think about what you wish the author had told you happened at the end of the story.

Parenting

The Fisher family made some interesting parenting decisions throughout the story. If you were the parents of Erik, how would you have handled some of the situations he got into? For example, spray painting Paul in the eyes, stealing the jewelry, killing Arthur Bauer?

Homeowner's Meeting

During the homeowner’s meeting at the end of the story, the Fisher’s and Bauer’s admit to Erik and Arthur stealing jewelry from the tented homes. Mr Fisher says, “You can see what we have already recovered. Those items could be released to you as early as tomorrow. If we can get you all to agree to [letting Erik and Arthur return all that was stolen], and it has to be unanimous agreement, then the Sheriff’s Department will not pursue further charges against Erik and Arthur.” If you were one of the owner’s of the tented homes, would you have let Erik and Arthur off the hook for stealing?

Who's to Blame?

Paul’s parents did not tell Paul that Erik had spray painted him in the eyes, causing him to have poor vision. If you were Paul’s parents, what would you have done? Would you have told Paul that his brother spray painted him in the eyes? Why or why not? Would you have punished Erik or let him off like the Fisher’s did?

The End

Now that Tangerine is over, describe your feelings toward the book. Why did you like the book? Why did you dislike the book? What parts were your favorite? Which do you wish were different?

Coach Bright's Words of Wisdom

Explain what Coach Betty Bright means when she says, "There's no way this team can beat you. You can only beat yourselves."

Questions for the Author...

What questions would you ask the author if he were here in front of you? What choices has Bloor made that you would question?

That Sounds Just Like Me!

Explain which character you best relate to and why.

What happened to that guy?

Pick a character that has changed drastically throughout the story. Describe how and why you think they have changed.

Sports & War

Why are sports like war? Use examples from the text to support your personal thoughts and reasons.

Arthur & Erik

Explain why Arthur will do anything for Erik. Is there anyone that you would do anything for?

Literature Circles

Have you ever participated in a literature circle before? If yes, what did you like about them? What did you dislike about them? If no, how do you feel about the idea of literature circles? Are you excited to begin? Nervous? Do you dread the thought of them? Thoughtfully discuss any feelings you may be experiencing. What questions do you have about lit circles that may not have been answered yet?

Sibling Rivalry

In the story you are about to read, the two brothers don't always get along with one another. Many siblings experience sibling rivalry. Do you have siblings and if so, thoughtfully reflect about the things that you believe may create sibling rivalry. If are an only child, explain an experience you have had that may have allowed you to gain insight about sibling rivalry.

Sports

After school activites, such as sports, get a great deal of attention. Do you think it is important to particpate in such activities? Why or why not?

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can have a devistating impact on our lives. Have you ever been affected by a natural disaster? What natural disasters have you read about or heard about? From what you may already know about natural disasters, what natural disasters could we experience living where we live?

Disabilities

In this story, one of the characters suffers from a disability. Do you have or know of someone who has a disability? How has the disability affected their life? If possible, share some of the experiences you have had, or the knowledge you have gained about disabilities.