Discussion Questions for Cold War on Maplewood Street
How is Joanna feeling about her brother Sam when the story begins?
Does this change in the course of the story? If so, how, when, and why?
What is meant by the phrase "Cold War"?
Do you think when the story begins Joanna secretly wishes Mr. Waterman was her father? Do her feelings change as the week unfolds? If so, how?
How would the story have been different if uncle Zack hadn't come to Chicago?
How do you think the Waterman's week would have ended if there had been no Cuban Missile Crisis?
What did Joanna want Mrs. Waterman to do when Marie asked Mr. Waterman for the sunroom?
How do Joanna's feelings about writing to Sam change over the days following the president's announcement.
Why does Joanna turn her closet into a bomb shelter? If you were to build a shelter like hers, what would you put in it? List items in order of importance.
Why do you think it's so important to Joanna that she be at home if there is an attack?
Do you think Joanna's mother was right to refuse to admit that she was worried about Sam and fearful for all of them? Why or why not?
Would you like to have a teacher like Mr. Egan? Why or why not?
Why do you think this book is titled Cold War on Maplewood Street?
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Do you feel you learned anything important from reading this book? If so, what?