1. The Rifle begins, "It is necessary to know the rifle." Why is it necessary to know it?

2. "It is necessary to know this boy." Why is it necessary to know Richard?

3. Why would Paulsen write such a long sentence to end "The Boy"? What effect does the sentence have?

4. What point is Paulsen making with the reference to the Waco, Texas, massacre?

5. The Rifle has a sad ending. Should young adult books have only happy, uplifting endings? Why would someone write a sad book for young adults?

6. Do people own the rifle, or does the rifle own them? Is their relationship more complex than this?

7. Why would no one check to see whether the rifle was loaded?

8. Was placing candles near the rifle over the mantel negligence?

9. Why would Paulsen write a whole novel just to say that it is guns that kill people...