Swimming in a Sea of Stars

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 30 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What important problem, worry, or mystery is introduced in this first chapter? How does it make you feel as a reader?
2. Chapter 2: What do you learn about the main character’s personality from what they say, think, or do? Use one detail from the chapter.
3. Chapter 3: Choose one strong word or phrase from this chapter. What do you think it means, and why do you think the author chose it?
4. Chapter 4: How does a relationship between two characters begin to change in this chapter? What causes the change?
5. Chapter 5: What is one choice a character makes in this chapter? Do you think it was a good choice? Explain your thinking.
6. Chapter 6: What question do you have after reading this chapter? What clues might help you predict the answer?
7. Chapter 7: What does this chapter show about how people can hide their true feelings? Give an example from the text.
8. Chapter 8: Which character do you understand better after this chapter? What new information helped you understand them?
9. Chapter 9: How does the setting affect the characters’ feelings or actions in this chapter?
10. Chapter 10: What is one moment in this chapter that surprised you? Why was it surprising?
11. Chapter 11: What do you think is the most important event in this chapter? How might it affect what happens next?
12. Chapter 12: Find a word, image, or comparison connected to stars, water, or the sky. What feeling does it create?
13. Chapter 13: How does a character show courage in this chapter, even if they are still scared or unsure?
14. Chapter 14: What is one misunderstanding or secret in this chapter? How does it affect the characters?
15. Chapter 15: What advice would you give to one character at this point in the story? Why?
16. Chapter 16: How does this chapter show the theme of friendship, kindness, or reaching out for help?
17. Chapter 17: What prediction can you make about a conflict in the story? What details support your prediction?
18. Chapter 18: Which character’s actions did you agree or disagree with in this chapter? Explain your opinion respectfully.
19. Chapter 19: What is one thing a character learns about themselves or someone else in this chapter?
20. Chapter 20: How does the author build tension or strong emotion in this chapter? Name one detail that stands out.
21. Chapter 21: What connection can you make between this chapter and something in real life, another book, or your own experiences?
22. Chapter 22: How has one character changed since the beginning of the book? Give evidence from earlier chapters and this chapter.
23. Chapter 23: What message do you think the author wants readers to understand about noticing and caring for others?
24. Chapter 24: Pick one important conversation from this chapter. What do the characters say, and what might they really mean underneath?
25. Chapter 25: What is one symbol, repeated idea, or image that seems important in this chapter? What might it stand for?
26. Chapter 26: How do the characters respond to a hard truth or difficult moment in this chapter? What does that show about them?
27. Chapter 27: What do you think is the turning point in this chapter? Why does it matter to the whole story?
28. Chapter 28: How are hope and healing shown in this chapter? Use a detail from the story in your answer.
29. Chapter 29: What loose ends or questions are being answered as the book comes near the end? Which question still feels important?
30. Chapter 30: After finishing the book, what is the biggest lesson you think readers can take from Swimming in a Sea of Stars? Explain using details from the story.

Example answers

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

Chapter 7: What does this chapter show about how people can hide their true feelings? Give an example from the text.

I think this chapter shows that people can look okay on the outside but feel very different inside. One character seems to act normal around others, but their thoughts show that they are carrying heavy feelings. This helped me understand that we should not always guess how someone feels just by their face or their jokes. It also made me think kindness is important because we do not know what someone is going through.

Chapter 15: What advice would you give to one character at this point in the story? Why?

I would tell the character to talk to a trusted adult or a friend instead of keeping everything inside. I think they are trying to be strong alone, but the problem feels too big for one person. Asking for help would not make them weak. It would show that they want things to get better.

Chapter 23: What message do you think the author wants readers to understand about noticing and caring for others?

I think the author wants readers to understand that small acts of caring can matter a lot. A kind word, a question, or just sitting with someone can help them feel less alone. This chapter made me think that noticing people is not the same as being nosy. It can be a way to show someone that they are important.