1. Although Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is fictionalized biography, Latham accurately portrays the events of Nathaniel Bowditch's life. How is she able to make Bowditch come to life, while at the same time maintaining factual accuracy?

2. Bowditch is of course the principal character in this book. Are there any other fully realized characters? Who are they? If you find only two-dimensional characters surrounding Bowditch, explain why.

3. Discuss Nat's relationship with his father. Why isn't Mr. Bowditch mentioned after chapter 5?

4. Does the biography treat its subject sympathetically? Too sentimentally? If so, cite examples.

5. What does the biography reveal about the process of education? What qualities do successful students possess? Successful teachers?