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The Sterkarm Handshake by Susan Price

Summary

The Sterkarms have plundered the border between Scotland and England for generations. Suddenly intruders, calling themselves Elves, want the Sterkarms to stop their violent ways. The Elves, time travelers from the 21st century, have found a way back to the 16th century and plan to do their own plundering of the land's rich natural resources. Their only mistake is foolishly underestimating the Sterkarms themselves. For Andrea Mitchell, an anthropologist working among the Sterkarms, none of this matters. In love with Per -- a young Sterkarm warrior -- and feted as a beautiful Elf-May, she's never known such happiness in her own time. But when Per receives a deadly injury, Andrea's decision to take him into the 21st century to save him has explosive results. Per, seeing how powerful and destructive the Elves truly are, swears to keep them from his land forever. And in the bloody battle that ensues, Andrea must finally choose whose side she is on. 320 pages, 8th grade and up

Discussion questions

Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. When in the 21st century do you think this story takes place? Will our 21st achieve time travel? Can you think of any corporations/businesses that are similar to FUP? What are they and how are they like FUP?
  2. Does this book have any heroes? Why or why not? Who are the heroes and who are the villains? Is the violence perpetrated by either side justifiable?
  3. How has Andrea's affection for the Sterkarms affected her research? Is she able to view either side (16th or 21st) with a researcher's dispassion?
  4. Does the 16th story of Vaylan and the Swan-May foreshadow the relationship of Andrea and Per? How?
  5. Aside from technology, how are the inhabitants of the 16th and 21st different? How are they similar?
  6. Many of the men from the 21st express their discomfort with the physical affection and easy emotions shown by the Sterkarms. Why do you think the author mentions this so frequently? Which side is more "masculine?"
  7. How does Per cope with the 21st? How is this similar or different from the way Andrea or the FUP staff (Windsor, Bryce and the security men) cope with the 16th?
  8. At the same time Andrea helps the captives from the 21st to escape, she wants Per to understand why she's "betraying" the Sterkarms. Why? Is her conflict believable to you?
  9. Does Joe Sterkarm make the right decision? Does Andrea? Why do they make the choices they do? Would you stay or leave the 16th?

    10. Snacks: fruit and cheese.

    Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library.

    Created in part with funds granted by the Oregon State Library under the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library. Send feedback to Katie O'Dell, Reading Promotions Coordinator