Middle Grade selection

Discussion Questions

1. What test did Jenny and her husband use to decide which dog to adopt? Describe the dog's reaction to it.
2. What does the author do when Marley, the new dog, barks during his first night at home? Why do you think the dog was barking?
3. What were some of Marley's "bad" habits? What steps would you take to try to change Marley's behavior?
4. Describe what happened in Marley's training classes. How do you think Marley's owners felt? How would you handle the trainer's recommendations?
5. What were some of the reasons that Jenny wanted to give Marley up? Do you think her reasons were justified? Why or why not?
6. How did the children get along with Marley, and what lessons did they learn from him?
7. How did Marley change as he got older? If you own a pet, how has your pet changed as it got older?
8. When Marley was sick, what were some of the ways that the family helped to take care of him?
9. How did you feel about the ending? Was it a surprise or could you predict what was going to happen? Explain.
10. Describe your favorite scene from the book and explain why it was your favorite part.