1. Compare and contrast the attitudes that the various characters hold concerning the meaning of prayer. How do their opinions change during the course of the story?

2. Make a list of the Spanish words and phrases that are used in the novel. Then use a Spanish-English dictionary to find the meaning of those words and phrases. How does the inclusion of foreign words add to the story? What is the author's purpose in including them?

3. Throughout the book, Miguel is referred to by a variety of nicknames. What are those names, who calls him by each name, and what is the significance of each? How do the nicknames change as he changes as a person? Which names does Miguel use for himself, and which does he prefer? Why?

4. Research what it is like to raise sheep today. Compare and contrast the...