1. How has her mother's divorce and attitudes about men affected Valentine's view of boys and gender roles?

2. How does her time with Paavo change Valentine?

3. At the close of many fantasy-quest stories, the protagonist's initial problems are usually resolved. What issues are or are not resolved for Valentine by the end of the book?

4. How is "hero" defined in The Bronze King? What traditional attributes of a hero are praised and which are criticized?

5. How does Valentine's battle with the kraken help her to deal with problems in her own life? Especially examine what characteristics she must develop to confront the kraken and what she learns about herself and others throughout this battle.

6. Describe the kraken. What are the powers of this evil force? Also, how does Charnas describe this monster? Is her depiction an effective one?

7. Granny Gran explains that "most true musicians...