Keeper of the Lost Cities

Fantasy novels like Keeper of the Lost Cities involve the use of magic. Fitz, though, says, “Magic is a stupid idea humans came up with to try to explain things they couldn’t understand” (22). What does he mean by this? How does his idea affect the story’s status as a fantasy?

Among the humans, Sophie was a straight-A senior at age 12 who was accepted by Yale, but at Foxfire, she’s nearly flunking some of her classes. What changed? How does Sophie deal with her new educational challenges?

In what ways are the elves superior to humans, and in what ways are they not superior?

Why do animals stare at Sophie and then bond to her? How does Sophie use this to help them? Offer two examples.

Explain why some elves believe humans should be left alone while others believe humans pose a lethal danger to elvin civilization.

Alden cares for Sophie but also needs her to help him protect elf society. In what ways do these two motives conflict? How does Alden attempt to resolve the conflict?

Fitz, Dex, and Keefe vie for Sophie’s affections. Explain how each is both a good and a not-so-good choice as a possible boyfriend for Sophie.

Sophie chooses Grady and Edaline as her adoptive parents even though they canceled their application to adopt her. Explain why Sophie’s decision is a wise one.