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71 pages 2 hours read

Ann M. Martin

A Corner of the Universe

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002

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Essay Topics

1.

Hattie thinks that she and Adam could be brother and sister. What do the two have in common? How are they different? Why do you think that Hattie and Adam become good friends?

2.

If Adam’s school had not closed, do you think Hattie’s parents would have ever told her about Adam? Why or why not? Why do you think her parents and Nana and Papa kept Adam a secret? Were they right to do that? Explain.

3.

Throughout the novel, Hattie thinks that Adam embarrasses Nana, who wants to “erase” him and keep him hidden. Do you agree with Hattie’s perspective of Nana? Why or why not? Give evidence to support your answer.

4.

Why does Hattie feel that Adam is “not exactly a child, but he is sort of a child” (124)? What makes life challenging for Adam?

5.

Compare the novel’s three generations of women: Nana, Mom, and Hattie. What similarities and differences do they have? How does each feel about the others? How does each differ in her approach to Adam?

6.

How does Hattie change over the course of the novel? Support your answer.

7.

Why do you think Adam commits suicide? Hattie believes it took a lot of courage for Adam to kill himself. Why does she think this? Do you agree?

8.

Consider the title of the novel. What does Adam mean when he tells Hattie that she is “one of the people who can lift the corners of our universe” (49)?

9.

What are some ways that Hattie shows courage in the novel? Give evidence to support your answer.

10.

Friendship is an important theme in the novel. Consider Hattie’s friends Adam, Leila, Catherine, and Betsy. How does Hattie make friends with each of them? What different qualities does each of them bring to their friendship with Hattie? What do they teach Hattie about friendship? 

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