Skinnybones

How does Alex try to mitigate his fears? Do his strategies work, or do they backfire? Provide evidence from the text to support your response.

What do Alex’s interactions with various authority figures imply about his personality and approach to life?

Alex’s best friend, Brian, plays a key role in how Alex’s schemes play out. How does Brian’s presence influence the narrative? Is he a good friend to Alex? Why or why not?

Skinnybones was published in 1982, but it remains a staple of children’s literature due to its timeless premise. How does the narrative reflect the time frame in which it was written? How would the novel change if it were set in the present day?

Many of Alex’s conflicts stem from his negative feelings about baseball. Why does Alex continue to play a sport that he dislikes?

Skinnybones is written from the first-person perspective, with protagonist Alex narrating the events of the novel and sometimes indulging in tangents about his past experiences. How does this narrative choice influence the novel’s overall tone? How would the novel change if it were written in the third person?

Large portions of the novel are dedicated to Alex’s flashbacks to earlier antics. Why does Alex tell these stories, and how do they help illustrate the nuances of his character?

Alex’s parents often act as dominant authority figures who force him into situations that he doesn’t want to deal with, such as staying in T.J.’s class, accepting the Most Improved Player award, and participating in the big game. Do Alex’s parents make the right decisions, or does Alex deserve more compassion from them?