What questions, connections, comments, thoughts did you have while reading the book?
The graphic-novel interludes show Ulysses flying at the Giant Do-Nut (pages 103–104), his vanquishing of Mr. Klaus the cat (pages 132–133), his cheering up Flora and proving his superpowers (page 153), and his escape from Flora’s mother (pages 202–203). Does Ulysses believe he can fly when he first tries to? What details about his flying are captured in the pictures?
I was fascinated by Dr. Meescham's account of growing up in the mysterious Blundermeecen. Dark secrets, unmarked graves, terrible curses and... Trolls?! On page 135, we hear the promise “I will always turn back toward you.” It is repeated many times throughout the story. What do you think it means? Why not simply say "good-bye"?
One of Ulysses' special powers is being able to write poetry, and poetry is found a few places in Flora & Ulysses. Ulysses' first poem is on page 65, and on page 232 he writes the epilogue. Read Ulysses' poems again, then answer the following questions: What does Ulysses communicate in his poetry? How is poetry different from prose?
Finally, select a pet that you know (or a fictional animal from a book) and imagine them writing poetry. Create a google file and title it POETRY. Then, construct a poem that applies what you think Ulysses tries to communicate in his poems. Comment again with your poem. There is a turning point in the story when Ulysses, Flora, and her father go to the Giant Do-Nut. Describe the action that takes place at the Giant Do-Nut. How does this change things for Ulysses? For Flora? For Mr. Buckman?
Let’s talk about superheroes. What makes Ulysses a superhero? Are there special requirements for being a superhero? Are there special things that all superheroes seem to have?
The Illuminated Adventures of the Amazing Incandesto! is Flora’s favorite comic book. It includes special bonus comics at the back of each issue including Terrible Things Can Happen to You! and The Criminal Element Is Among Us. Throughout the story, Flora refers to many of the life skills and themes that appear in her comics. One lesson is CPR. One theme is that “impossible things happened all the time” (page 21). What other things does Flora learn from her comics? Name some of your favorite sayings or lessons from her comic books.
Flora describes herself as “a natural-born cynic” (page 6). What do you think that means? Dr. Meescham says that “Cynics are people who are afraid to believe” (page 129). Do you agree with her description? What things does Flora do that show she is a cynic? What things show that Flora is not a cynic? What, if anything, makes you feel cynical at times?
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