Author Andrew Clements chose the state of Illinois in the United States and Afghanistan as the settings in Extra Credit. Why do you think Clements selected these locations? What kinds of differences between the two countries -- cultural and otherwise -- can you identify after reading the book?
On the first page of Extra Credit, Afghani student Sadeed thinks that his teacher is going to "recommend him for a special honor," but when he finds out that his teacher wants him to help write letters to a girl in America, he is very disappointed. Nevertheless, how does this letter writing eventually turn into a "special honor" for Sadeed?
The character of Abby is introduced in the story when she is climbing a rock wall in her school's gym. Are you surprised to find out that Abby is struggling in school after reading about her abilities on the rock wall? Despite her grades, do you believe that Abby is actually very smart? Why or why not?
As a class, have a discussion about Abby and Sadeed. Do Abby and Sadeed have similar personalities? Also, compare and contrast their everyday lives by talking about the following: their homes, their schools, their teachers and their parents. How are they alike and how are they different?
As pen pals, Abby, Sadeed, and Sadeed's sister Amira communicate the old fashioned way -- by sending letters to each other in the mail. Why is this their only method of staying in touch? What are some conveniences Abby and her friends have in the U.S. that Sadeed and Amira do not have in Afghanistan?
The rock wall at Abby's school in Illinois and the mountains of Afghanistan are symbols in Extra Credit -- they stand for something else. What do they represent?
Abby learns from Amira and Sadeed's letters that not all of the girls in their Afghanistan village are allowed to go to school. Amira is glad that her father "permits" her to go to school. How did this make you feel when you read this?
In the novel, Sadeed writes to Abby that he only has one book in his home, and at his teacher has taken a chance by allowing him to read books that are not approved by the Ministry of Education in Afghanistan. What did you think about this?
While reading this book, we learn that Abby and Sadeed are taking risks by communicating with one another. Why do you think Sadeed decides to correspond with Abby when he knows that it is forbidden? Do you think Abby realizes that her letters to Sadeed would create controversy at home and in Afghanistan?
When Abby gives her oral report on her project at the end of the book, her classmates look bored and uninterested. Imagine you are a student in Abby's class. Would you feel the same way about her report? Why or why not?
Abby is reluctant to do her extra credit assignment at first. But how was the project actually a good thing for her in the end?
By the end of the story, Abby and Sadeed have a greater understanding of each other's lives and cultures. After finishing the book, talk about what else you think Abby and Sadeed learned from exchanging letters.
I hope these questions get you thinking about the book. I'll see you on July 22!
Gloria
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