1. Discuss the reasons why Zachary is sarcastic to Cal and Toby but nice to Kate when they first meet.

2. Why is Toby so preoccupied with thoughts of Wayne? What does this say about Toby?

3. The story begins by asserting that "Nothing ever happens in Antler, Texas" until Zachary Beaver arrives. What does his arrival change?

4. Why does Zachary want to be baptized? 5. How would it change the story if the author used past tense rather than present tense?

6. People react to tragedy and respond to grief in a variety of ways. List examples of these reactions from the story.

7. Each of the characters in the novel has a dream. Describe these individually. Are they realistic dreams or impossibilities?

Is it healthy for people to have dreams?

Explain your answer.

8. Explore several reasons why Wayne asked Cal not to play war. What is the significance...