Mockingbird

by Kathryn Erskine

In what ways is Devon’s unfinished chest symbolic of the loss of Devon? How has it impacted the rest of Caitlin’s family? Although her father has covered the chest with a sheet, why do you think he chooses to keep it in their home? • Caitlin’s father tells her that “The whole town is upset by what happened. They want to help. . . . They want to help you deal with life, Caitlin . . . without Devon.”(pp. 4–5) How do readers know Caitlin isn’t dealing with the loss of her brother? What are some of the behaviors she displays that verify how she’s doing? • Devon served as a navigator to Caitlin as he helped her understand and explore the world; how does his absence make it significantly more difficult for her to deal with others? What are some of the specific kinds of things Devon did to help his sister? What was his motivation in doing these things? Did he stand to gain anything for assisting her? • Do you believe Caitlin’s father is providing her with the support she needs? Why or why not? • Mockingbird is told in the first person; how would the story be different if someone besides Caitlin were telling it? Do you thinking changing the point of view would make the story better or worse? Why? • Based on instructions on how to act, Caitlin reminds herself to “Look At The Person.” Why do you think this is particularly difficult for her? Why is each word in that phrase capitalized? What other phrases have that same treatment? What function do they serve to the reader as well as t...