Gift Counselor (Cronin)

Discussion Questions
1. In what ways does a gift counselor differ from a personal shopper?

2. How does Rita influence Jonquil? How does Jonquil influence Rita?

3. Identify 3 events in the story that lead to Jonquil’s realization that true gifts are free. Did your ideas about gifts change as you read the story?

4. How is Claude able to get Jonquil to trust him?

5. Margo Bloom is the key figure in Jonquil’s childhood.  Did you have a grandparent that influenced your life?

6. Billy Bloom has a generous nature. True or false. Give examples.

7. Mr.  Merrill enjoys testing out new toys. The light moments offset the darker themes in the story. What lighter moments stand out for you?

8. What do you imagine happened to Jonquil’s father, John Bloom that caused him to disappear?

9. Would you want to talk to a gift counselor?

10. Which character did you care about most and why?

(Questions courtesy of the author.)

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