by Margaret Shannon

Questions for Philosophical Discussion
by Heather Slutz
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Differences:

1. Have you ever identified with people who were different from you?
2. Have you ever felt different from your friends or parents?
3. Did you enjoy being different or did you find it hard?
4. If you are different, have you been picked on for being different?
5. Do you think it's ok to pick on somebody who is different? Why or why not?
6. Elvira leaves her family because she is different. Have you ever wanted to run away because you were different?
7. Do you think running away to a place where you feel the same is the solution to feeling different?

Beauty:

1. Elvira thinks that daisy chains and dresses are beautiful. What things do you think are beautiful?
2. The other dragons are pleased by fighting and picking on other people. Do you think fighting is pretty? Why or why not?
3. At the end of the book the other dragons realize that dresses are pretty. Have you ever though something was ugly, but later changed your mind to think it was beautiful?
4. What do you think makes something beautiful or ugly?

Identity:

1. When Elvira encounters her parents after having lived with the princesses, her parents do not recognize her. Has anyone ever thought you were someone else?
2. Have you ever thought someone was someone else?
3. How did Elvira convince her parents she was Elvira?
4. What makes Elvira herself?
5. What makes you yourself?

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