Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

1. When you meet Jenna Fox and her family, in what time period do you think the book is set? What clues lead to your conclusion?

2. Some of the pages in the book are gray in color rather than the standard white of the other pages. Why do you think these pages were included? What's the significance of the color? The message?

3. On page 7 is a definition of the word curious. Jenna seems enthralled with this word and uses it often. In what ways does she use "curious"?

4. On pages 39–40, Lily and Jenna's mother Claire have a discussion about miracles that Jenna overhears. What kind of miracle are they talking about? Why is it dangerous for Jenna to be in public?

5. Jenna says "It's too much work trying to become who I am, always having to ask others what I should already know." Do you think she would rather just give up and return to her coma? Why do you think it's "too much work"?

6. Why does Jenna share so much about herself with her classmates at the Ecosystem Charter School?

7. Discuss how you think Jenna reacts to the "adoration" mentioned in the title The Adoration of Jenna Fox.

8. Is there a significance to the word definitions scattered throughout the book? Explain. [p. 7, curious; p. 16, lost; p. 41, hate; p. 96, empty; p. 132, human; p. 188, identity; p. 210, Jenna; p. 233, forever]

9. When Jenna finds out about "the accident" and what happened to her, what is your reaction? After reading her father's description of what was done, would you want to be Jenna? Why or why not?

10. Refer to pages 140–141 where Jenna completes Ethan's reading from Thoreau's Walden. Discuss this section in light of what Jenna has learned about herself.

11. Throughout the book, whenever Jenna is told to go to her room, she complies. Why is it significant that when Jenna and her mother have an argument and Jenna is told to go to her room, she doesn't?

12. Careful is a word that Jenna thinks of a lot and uses to describe various actions. Describe ways that Jenna is or isn't careful.

13. Jenna wonders and worries and asks "Are there some things I will never know?" Do you ever ask yourself the same thing? What would you rather not know? Is it important that you not know everything?

14. When does Jenna begin to feel comfortable with who she is? What signs tell you that she's beginning to accept who she is?

15. On page 210 Jenna defines herself. What definition would you write for Jenna?

16. Which is the whole Jenna — the one before the disaster or the one after the disaster? Explain your thoughts.

17. Do you believe that Jenna Fox is "living"? What percentage of the brain needs to be present in order for it to be considered "living"? Are people "living" if they can think and reason or do they need to have feelings and emotions?

18. At what point do you think that scientists are using technology to play God? Who should be able to make the decisions to develop and use this technology? The government? The scientists? Individuals?

19. Do you think that this type of technology solves the sadness of losing a child? Is the same child being created? Should the child have any say in the decision if possible?

20. The book brings up the topic of the use of antibiotics. Do you believe that humans have caused bacteria and viruses to become stronger by overusing antibiotics? What do you think will be the consequences of these actions?

21. Do you think that parents can adore their children too much? If so, what could be the outcomes of this adoration?

22. Do you think that any type of body reconstruction should be allowed? If so, how much and to what extent? Should there be limits to the amount of a body that should be rebuilt as there was in the book?

23. Do you think that just because something is possible in science that we should do it? What should be used to determine what should and should not be permitted?

24. Stem cell research is being conducted to try and cure spinal cord injuries and diseases such as Alzheimer's. Stem cell research is controversial because of the source of the cells. If the cells come from adults, there is less concern, but if the cells come from unborn embryos, there is a lot of opposition. Do you think all types of stem cell research should be allowed? Explain your reasoning.

25. The technology used in the book would allow Jenna Fox to live anywhere from two years up to 200 years. If possible, would you want to live up to 200 years? Why or why not? What could be some of the impacts on the environment if people start living longer?

26. In science there is a law that states that you can never do just one thing to the environment. What do you think this means? How do you think the technology used in this book would change the earth?