Dragonkeeper by C arole Wilkinson

1. Dragonkeeperby Carole Wilkinson http://www1.curriculum.edu.au/rel/values/book.php?catrelid=1484

2. Focus questions Before reading the book 1. Why do you think the front cover illustration combines a real-life image and a drawing of a mythical animal? What clues could this give the reader about the nature of this story? 2. Read the blurb on the back cover and then consider the following questions. a. What is slavery? b. What do you know about slavery and countries that have had, or still do, condone slavery? 3. What do you know about dragons? 4. Would you expect this dragon to be vengeful and dangerous to humans? 5. What do you think the difference is between a dragon keeper and a dragon hunter and could they work together? 6. What do you think the dragon stone looks like and what might its purpose be? 7.To support your reading of the book, take time to examine the extra information in the book, including the map at the beginning, and the glossary and pronunciation guide at the end.

3. During the reading of the book 1.How important is a name? How does Ping's attitude to herself, other people (and her place in the world) change, once she has a name? Provide examples such as Ping's feelings when she first hears her name (p 56). 2. Is Danzi a true friend to Ping? Consider the different ways Danzi treats Ping and his reasons for this. Can you identify examples of trust and distrust, encouragement and discouragement and honesty and dishonesty? For instance, on pages 58–61 when Danzi tells Ping he will take her back to Huangling. 3. How does the author justify the reasons for Danzi's treatment of Ping, and do you agree? For example, on pages 292–295 Ping decides to leave the Emperor and the easy life he offers to escape with Danzi. However, with the help of Wang Cao, the herbalist, they drug Ping and leave without her. 4. What does Danzi look like? As you read, make notes on specific physical features that are described and also consider his mystical capabilities. For example, on pages 96–97 Danzi transforms into a snake and the reader learns that he has large green scales and whiskers. 5. Danzi gives Ping many lessons in the form of traditional sayings or proverbs that Ping thinks of as riddles. Make note of these as you read (sticky notes are a good way to k

4. After Reading the Book Although Ping's responsibilities grew during her journey, there were times when she did not fulfill them. How does the author demonstrate that this is part of being human? Think of examples that demonstrate that Ping took responsibility for her poor decisions and actions. (Example - on page 213 after they have searched Wucheng unsuccessfully for the dragon stone, Ping justifies her reasons for wanting to give up the search and return to the boat.) Make a note of important stages of the journey, including the settings and the events.