Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Guiding Questions

Chapters 1-9

1.    The children try to explain what a “Jew” is to the new little boy. How do they describe Jews? Why would they say these things when they say that they are Jews?

2.    Uri brings the new boy to his home. Why do you think he does this?

3.    What do Uri and the new boy see at the parade? What does the new boy think about what he sees?

4.    Uri names the new boy Misha Pilsudski and gives him a story. What is the story and why does he give it to Misha?

5.    Misha is invited to a birthday party. How does he behave? Why do you think he acts this way?

6.    What’s happening to the Jews in the city? Talk about the shopkeepers and the bearded Jew. Why is this happening?