Elisabeth learns many things from observing her snail. Summarize two of these lessons in your own words.

Students may choose to write about any of the following lessons: the value of living at a slower pace, the importance of resilience, survival, the role of evolution, or the importance of life continuing.

Elisabeth strongly connects the ideas of illness and isolation. Explain why these two concepts are so closely connected as one theme.

Students should explain Elisabeth’s assertion that illness isolates people. They should be sure to describe both the physical and the emotional/psychological isolation of ill health.

There are very few detailed characters in this book. Why do you think Elisabeth chose not to characterize her friends, doctors, or caregivers in greater detail?

Students should be able to discuss the impact of a lack of characterization on their reading experience. They should also discuss how...