1. Research and report on the role of mercenary soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

2. During the Revolutionary War, minutemen were American civilians who agreed to be prepared to fight on one minute's notice. Research and report on the minutemen's role in the war.

3. Though more sophisticated than The Fighting Ground, Stephen Crane's Red Badge of Courage presents similar themes and incorporates similar techniques. Read Crane's work and compare it to Avi's novel in terms of literary techniques and the protagonists' experiences.

4. There are three different languages used by the people in this book. Why did Avl create characters who speak different languages? What do these language barriers show about the people?

5. Avi talks about the ticking sound beginning again when Jonathan returns home. Why does Jonathan feel that time has begun again at this point? What does the use of the...