Masterminds

Describe Eli’s character and how his attitude changes over the course of the novel. What special problems does he face as Hammerstrom’s surrogate son?

Each of the clones struggles with questions of identity. Describe some of these issues as they relate to family, community, and being cloned.

Amber and Malik are polar opposites in some ways. Describe their temperaments at the beginning of the story. How do they change in relation to one another as the story unfolds?

Who are the Purple People Eaters? What function do they perform in Serenity? Their name comes from a Cold War-era pop song. How do you think this allusion ties into the novel’s plot?

Hector is different from his classmates. Describe some of the traits and circumstances that make him an outsider. To what degree does the fear of exclusion drive his behavior in the story?

The factory is an essential element of the story. What does it symbolize? Give several examples of the ways in which the Plastics Works drives the plot forward.

How does personal autonomy factor into the nature-versus-nurture debate? Do you think Hammerstrom believes that self-determination plays any role in the formation of character? Why or why not?

How does Serenity differ from most small-town communities? What variables must be controlled so that this difference can be preserved? Do you think there might be a downside to living in Utopia? If so, what might that be?