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True Believer by Virginia Euwer Wolff

Discussion Topics:

In this second novel from the Make Lemonade trilogy, fifteen-year-old LaVaughn faces new challenges in her struggle to rise above poverty and difficult circumstances. A boy from her past, now a gorgeous and seemingly eligible young man, returns and creates turmoil the reader never expects. LaVaughn's oldest friends join the Cross Your Legs for Jesus club without her. Her mother dates a man for the first time since her father's death. And LaVaughn's determination to make it to college means an advanced biology class, Grammar Build-Up, and a job folding laundry at the Children's Hospital. Can LaVaughn find the courage to succeed without alienating those around her? 272 pages, 7th 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. What is LaVaughn's plan for the future? Do you think LaVaughn will carry out her plan?
  2. Much of the book focuses on the idea of appearance versus reality. Explain how this theme applies to the following characters: Lester, Jody, Myrtle and Annie, Patrick
  3. Would this book be as powerful if it were written in a more conventional manner? Why or why not?
  4. Does Jody actually do anything to make LaVaughn believe that he might be her boyfriend?
  5. Discuss the significance of the pink jellyfish on page 157.
  6. Compare and contrast the lives of LaVaughn and Jolly
  7. Dr. Rose says, "Defining moments present themselves to us, often disguised, when we must make momentous decisions that shape our lives." What is LaVaughn's defining moment in this book? What decisions does she make?
  8. LaVaughn calls herself a "true believer." What does she believe?

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