1. What are the ethics involved in using children to help fight a war?

What are some modern instances of political groups or governments using children to fight a war? What are the techniques used to manipulate the children? Which of these techniques are used in The Beasties?

2. What are mole rats? Where do they live? What aspects of real-life mole rat society does Sleator apply to the society of the beasties?

3. What is clearcutting of trees?

Where in America does it occur? What effect does it have on the environment? What effect does it have on the animals that live in the forest?

4. To what uses are trees put after they have been cut down by lumber companies? What would happen to American society if the cutting down of trees were halted?

5. How fast are America's forests being cut down...