S
S
Discussion Questions for
The Way to Stay in Destiny by
Augusta Scattergood
When Theo gets off a bus in Destiny, Florida, he’s left behind
the only life he’s ever known. Now he’s got to live with Uncle
Raymond, a loner who wants nothing to do with him. Thank
goodness for Miss Sister Grandersole’s Rooming House and
Dance School. Theo can’t wait to play the piano that sits in her
dance studio. And when a feisty girl named Anabel arrives, things
get even more enticing.
1.Why do Theo’s uncle and Anabel’s mother
try to stop them from doing their favorite
activities? How would you feel if someone
tried to stop you from doing something you
love?
2.Uncle Raymond warns Theo, “Don’t
set your hopes high. Just means
disappointment.” Do you think this is true?
Why or why not?
3.Compare Theo’s life with his grandparents
to his life with his uncle in Destiny.
4.Theo’s grandmother said that if a person
has smiling eyes you could trust them. Do
you think this is true? Do you know anyone
with smiling eyes?
5.What is your opinion of how Theo, Uncle
Raymond, and Miss Sister each handled the
theft of the money? Were you surprised by
their actions?
TM & © Scholastic Inc.
6.Theo was nervous to play the piano for the
recital. Think of a time you were nervous.
Were you able to overcome your nerves?
Explain.
7.What are some of the reasons Uncle
Raymond is so angry? Were you surprised
at his behavior after the recital?
8.After receiving the card from Uncle
Raymond, Theo says that he feels ten feet
taller. What do you think he means?
9.One of Theo’s favorite sayings of Miss
Sister’s is Music Makes Memories. Can you
think of a time music helped you make
memories? Explain.
10.How does Theo feel about his living
situation at the end of the story?
scholastic.com/motherdaughterbookclub