The key way a writer helps his or her readers connect with a story is through its characters. Which qualities, behaviors, and choices do you think make some characters more appealing than others? To help you answer this question with specific evidence from the book, use this … [Read more...]

In many books and movies, super-smart kids are teased for being “nerds” or “geeks.” Is this the case for Edgar and Allan? How well do they relate to other kids their own age? Do the twins have many friends? How can you tell? … [Read more...]

Because they are so far ahead of their classmates (and even some of their teachers!) in school, Edgar and Allan are permitted to “teach the advanced material from time to time” (12). Have you ever had the opportunity to teach others information and/or a skill you know really … [Read more...]

In the first chapter of the book, we learn that Principal Mann is being blackmailed into expelling Edgar and Allan from school. If he doesn’t kick them out, a man named Ian Archer will tell everyone about “the money” Principal Mann “pocketed from [his] school’s funds” (11). In … [Read more...]

After Edgar and Allan get expelled from school, they console themselves by making plans for the ultimate Halloween prank. From what you have read so far, why do you think Halloween is the boys’ favorite holiday? (Be sure to provide evidence from the book.) What is your … [Read more...]