Flying Solo

The students in Mr. Fabiano’s class write several times during the day. Why is it important that the students write? What impact does the students’ writing have on the plot?

Would the novel be different if there were more students as part of the story? Why do you think the author only focuses on a few of the students in Mr. Fabiano’s class?

What is the role of the adults in the novel? Why is it important that the story is told through the eyes of the students rather than the adults in school?

How would the story change if Rachel had acted differently towards Tommy before he died? Would Rachel be different in the story? Why or why not?

How does Bastian’s character change throughout the story? What role does Mr. Fabiano’s class have in his growth as a character?

In what ways might Mr. Fabiano’s class change after the incident on Friday? Explain your thinking.

Rachel wants to be an airplane pilot when she grows up. What is the significance of flying throughout the novel? Why is the novel titled Flying Solo?

Bastian and Rachel get in a fight during the rock ritual. What does the fight reveal about Rachel and Bastian? How does the fight change the situation in the classroom?