"Good Conversation!" A Talk with Robert Cormier
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Robert Cormier
The author discusses his modern classics "The Chocolate War" and "I am the Cheese" at his home in Massachusetts.
- 20 minutes
Questions for classroom discussion and assignments:
- Robert Cormier tells great stories, but doesn't always give happy endings. Take a favorite story, novel, or even newspaper article and rewrite it with a sad or unhappy ending.
- Choose a page of a short story or novel. Rewrite it using different figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, hyperbole, or anything to create exciting imagery and anticipation.
- Robert Cormier says that “familiarity brings a feeling of security.” Write your interpretation of this statement. Essay question: What is familiar in your life and how does it make you feel secure?
- Robert Cormier wrote a short story titled, "The Little Things That Count." Brainstorm with the class about the little things that count to you. Then choose what you believe to be the two most important things from the list and write a short essay about them.
- Robert Cormier talks about censorship and banned books. Have the class discuss the author’s point of view on the topic. Next, ask your teacher or librarian to discuss your school district’s policy.