A Duet For Home

The novel includes a list of the musical pieces that the story features. Listen to one of the songs and discuss how its emotional tone corresponds to the scene in which it is mentioned.

The book does not include a reading list, but the characters in the story read many real-life novels, such as Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Mildred D. Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Read one of these stories and explain its relevance to A Duet for Home.

Analyze the novel’s exploration of The Choice Between Blaming Bad Luck and Taking Action. How does bad luck become synonymous with a lack of control, and how does June’s “luck” eventually change?

Focus on the relationship between Jeremiah and Tyrell. Why doesn’t Jeremiah tell Tyrell that he’s moving out of Huey House, and why is Tyrell upset that Jeremiah didn’t tell him? How does this issue reflect the boys’ fear of change?

Compare Ms. Gonzalez to Ms. MacMillan. What effect does each woman have on daily life at Huey House, and what do their respective actions imply about their character and values?

The idea of being a big sister becomes a symbol throughout the narrative. Why does Mrs. Yang refer to her daughter as “big sister”? How does her use of this term indirectly highlight the problematic aspects of her current behavior as a parent?

How does The Power of Classical Music bring the characters together?

Compare and contrast June’s perspective with Tyrell’s. How does each narrative tone differ, and what aspects do they find in common as the novel reveals their inner development?