Eleanor & Park

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 58 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. At the start, Eleanor has trouble finding a seat on the bus. What does this scene show about the students on the bus and about Park?
2. Eleanor is back living with her family. What details help you understand how she feels at home?
3. Park thinks about his own family and school life. How is his world different from Eleanor's so far?
4. Eleanor's clothes and appearance make other students notice her. Why do you think people sometimes judge others by how they look?
5. Park notices Eleanor reading his comic over his shoulder. What does this silent moment tell you about both characters?
6. Park begins leaving comics where Eleanor can read them. Why might sharing something without talking feel safer for him?
7. Eleanor starts to trust Park a little with the comics and music. What signs show that their friendship is beginning?
8. How does Eleanor's experience in gym class or at school show the theme of fitting in versus standing out?
9. Park brings music for Eleanor. What can music help people express when they do not know what to say?
10. Eleanor has to be careful at home. What does this chapter help you infer about Richie's power in the house?
11. Park wonders what others think of Eleanor. How does he begin to see her differently from the way classmates see her?
12. Choose one word from this chapter that describes Eleanor's mood. Explain why that word fits.
13. Park and Eleanor communicate more through comics, music, and small actions. How can actions be as important as words?
14. What do Park's thoughts about his parents show about what he wants from them?
15. Eleanor and Park have an important hand-holding moment. Why does this small action feel so big to them?
16. How does Eleanor react to kindness, and what does her reaction tell you about her past experiences?
17. Park wants to understand Eleanor better. What questions do you think he still has about her life?
18. Eleanor's home and Park's home feel very different. Which details make one place feel safer than the other?
19. Park shares more music with Eleanor. What does his choice of songs tell you about him?
20. Eleanor is nervous about being noticed. How does fear affect the choices she makes?
21. How do Park's friends and classmates influence the way he acts around Eleanor?
22. Eleanor begins spending time with Park outside the bus. What new challenges does this create for her?
23. Park's mother has strong first impressions of Eleanor. How do first impressions change as people learn more?
24. What does this chapter show about the importance of having at least one person on your side?
25. Eleanor keeps some problems secret. Why might a character hide the truth even from someone who cares?
26. Park and Eleanor's friendship is becoming a romance. What clues show their feelings are changing?
27. How does the author use small details, like clothing, songs, or comic books, to show what characters care about?
28. Park's family notices his relationship with Eleanor. How do different family members respond?
29. Eleanor receives unkind attention at school. How should classmates act when they see someone being teased or bullied?
30. What does Park learn about courage in this chapter?
31. Eleanor visits Park's home. What makes this visit exciting, awkward, or important?
32. Park's mother begins to understand Eleanor more. What helps her view Eleanor in a new way?
33. Eleanor compares herself to others. How does comparing yourself to other people help or hurt?
34. What conflict does Park have with his father, and how does it affect Park's feelings about himself?
35. Park changes his appearance in a way that surprises people. What might this change show about his identity?
36. Eleanor's family problems become harder for her to ignore. What warning signs do you notice?
37. Park stands up for Eleanor. Was his choice the best way to help? Explain your thinking.
38. How do Eleanor and Park comfort each other when life feels difficult?
39. The story includes moments of jealousy or insecurity. What makes Eleanor or Park feel unsure?
40. Choose a sentence or moment from this chapter that shows tension. What makes it feel tense?
41. Eleanor and Park try to make plans together. What obstacles make normal teenage plans hard for them?
42. How does Park's father change in the way he treats Park? What may have caused that change?
43. Eleanor feels both happy and worried in her relationship with Park. How can two opposite feelings be true at the same time?
44. What does this chapter suggest about trust?
45. Eleanor discovers that someone has been invading her privacy. How does this change the mood of the story?
46. Park wants to protect Eleanor. What are helpful and not-so-helpful ways to protect someone you care about?
47. Eleanor realizes the danger at home is worse than she thought. What choices does she have, and why are they difficult?
48. Park makes a serious decision to help Eleanor leave. What risks is he taking?
49. How does the car trip change the relationship between Eleanor and Park?
50. Eleanor thinks about saying goodbye. Why can goodbyes be hard even when they are necessary?
51. Park and Eleanor have to depend on each other during a frightening time. What strengths does each person show?
52. When Eleanor reaches a safer place, what feelings might she have all at once?
53. Park returns home after helping Eleanor. How might he feel different from the person he was at the beginning?
54. How do Park's parents respond after the trip, and what does their response show about family?
55. Eleanor struggles to write to Park. Why might writing a letter be harder than speaking?
56. Park waits for a message from Eleanor. What does waiting show about hope and patience?
57. The ending includes a postcard with only three words. What do you think those words might mean, and why?
58. Looking back at the whole book, what is one theme the author wants readers to remember about love, kindness, or bravery?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Eleanor and Park have an important hand-holding moment. Why does this small action feel so big to them?

I think the hand-holding feels big because they have been shy and careful with each other. They do not always say their feelings out loud, so touching hands is like a quiet message. To me, it shows that they trust each other more than before. It also makes their friendship feel like it is changing into something deeper.

Eleanor receives unkind attention at school. How should classmates act when they see someone being teased or bullied?

I think classmates should not laugh or join in when someone is being teased. They could sit with the person, tell the bully to stop if it is safe, or get help from an adult. Even one kind person can make someone feel less alone. I would want someone to help me, so I should try to help others too.

The ending includes a postcard with only three words. What do you think those words might mean, and why?

I think the three words might mean that Eleanor still cares about Park. She has been through a lot, so writing even a small message could be a brave step for her. The postcard makes me feel hopeful because it shows she has not forgotten him. It does not answer everything, but it leaves the door open.