1. Compare the part of the world that was the Soviet Union during the time of We Were Not Like Other People with what it has now become. Identify geographic, social, and political differences.

2. Examine Ephraim Sevela's background and discuss why he is qualified to write knowledgeably about life in the Soviet Union during the time of the novel.

3. The boy's mother was said not to fit the usual picture of a Jewish mother. Describe several stereotypes held about people from various cultural groups.

4. Can a person's true nature be determined on the basis of observable characteristics? How would you characterize Manko?

5. Compare the characteristics of Colonel Galemba and Samokhin. Who was the most trustworthy? Why?

6. During present-day wars, what provisions do countries make for the care of children left orphaned and homeless?

7. What are some of the specific lessons learned...