Global Concerns Classroom 2016-2017 Reading List discussion

What is the role of magic in the story? What about education? Contrast the two. Is there room for both in a culture? What about education and religion? How do the two impact each other? How did William's religion influence his outlook?

Malawi is an extremely poor nation. What are the causes of this poverty and what exacerbates it? How might these causes and influences be overcome?

Compare William to his father and to his mother. How are they alike? How did his parents shape William's outlook?

Many Americans criticize public schools and some even question the need for them. Others argue that money doesn't matter when it comes to education. How does William's experience address our own debates on the subject? Think about his school, and compare it to American schools. Might William's life be different if he had access to education without having to pay? How so?

What motivates people like William to attempt the unthinkable? How would you describe him to someone who's never heard of his achievement?