*while supplies last

Five Discussion Questions About THE VIKING:

1. Unfortunately, Zack Gilman is not very close to his father, Jock, because they think and act so differently. Zack doesn't like going to football games with him and, contrary to Jock's wishes, has no interest in joining his school's football team. He would much rather spend his time drawing and building things, but Jock doesn't seem to understand this. Have you ever been in a situation similar to Zack's? Has a friend or relative ever encouraged you to do something you simply didn't want to do? How did you react, and did you ever tell them how you really felt?
   
   
2. One of the many reasons why Zack is so frustrated with his life in Minneapolis is because his mother, Winnifred, died from pneumonia nine years earlier. Zack thinks about his mother quite frequently, especially when his father uses her name or he sees pictures of her. Have you ever lost someone who you were extremely close with? If so, how were you able to cope with the loss?
   
   
3. When Zack is transported back to the ninth century, he encounters a number of intriguing yet familiar creatures. These warriors bear a striking resemblance to many of Zack's family, friends --- and enemies. Zack initially believes he's dreaming and will soon be back in Minneapolis with his dad. Have you ever had dreams involving family members and friends that you thought for sure were real? Do you remember how they acted and what they looked like in the dream? Were they similar or different to how they are in real life?
   
   
4. Zack certainly never expected to be battling for his life in a strange world with terrifying beasts and equally terrifying foods. Although he is frightened and desperately wants to go home, he knows that he has an obligation to stay in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy and lead his tribe to victory against a group of bloodthirsty warriors. If you were in the same situation, do you think you would be as brave as Zack? What are some of the things you would miss most about your life if you were on a dangerous quest such as this one?
   
   
5. On more than one occasion, Jock has said that his son is "not a fighter" and has "no fire in his belly." He calls Zack "a superstar waiting to happen." While it's true that Zack never exhibits such qualities in front of his father, the same cannot be said of him during his battles with the Bears of the North. Zack is finally able to stand up and fight for himself, and he wishes Jock could witness his courage and fighting spirit. Do you usually care about what other people think of you? Have you ever gone out of your way and done something you ordinarily wouldn't do just to gain their approval?
   

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