1. What does Peter learn about himself during the novel?

2. Why would Bear apparently first kill Shellabarger off, then resurrect him, and then really kill him at the end?

3. Why does Bear often call attention to ants and other small creatures?

4. Why do many people not care about dinosaurs in Dinosaur Summer? Are there real-life parallels to this?

5. How well does Bear make his case that the wildlife of the rain forest is valuable and should be preserved?

6. What are the best animals in Dinosaur Summer? What makes them good or interesting to read about?

7. Why do dinosaurs interest people as much as they do? How well does Bear tap into the aspects of dinosaurs that most interest people?

8. Does it take too long for Dinosaur Summer to get to El Grande, or is Book One entertaining enough by itself?

9. Does Book Two satisfy the...