The Dead and the Gone

Analyze and assess Alex’s role as leader of the Morales family after his parents go missing. What are his strengths and weaknesses? Explain your answer with specific references to the text.

Why is it significant that the Morales children finally realize that they are on their own, and why does it take them so long to come to this realization? How do you think this will affect their mental and emotional state moving forward?

What role does hope play in the novel? Is hope in such difficult circumstances a positive or a negative thing? Can it be both? Think of a situation where hope allowed you to overcome trying circumstances.

What is the significance of the surprise birthday party Alex and Bri plan for Julie? Why is Alex overcome with a feeling of nostalgia, and what specifically causes him to feel this?

Over the course of the novel, Alex experiences a crisis of faith. What causes this crisis and what allows him to overcome it? Discuss in detail the journey of Alex’s faith, referencing specific events in the novel.

Put yourself in the Morales children’s shoes. How well do you think you would survive in their situation, and what do you think your attitude would be like? What would you do the same as the children, and what would you do differently?

Pfeffer gives very few specific details as to any character’s physical appearance. Why do you think she does this? Discuss what you think the major characters look like as you’ve imagined them.

Consider Alex’s relationship with Father Mulrooney and how it evolves. How is his relationship with Father Mulrooney different from his relationship with Father Franco?