2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Tom encounters a young street urchin who grabs his hat after the wind blew it away. Thinking it forever lost, he was stunned when the child later returned it to his office, so much so that he offers him a job. At that point of time, why did you think he’d been so moved by Bazzle’s behavior, enough to offer him a job? What did you learn about Tom because of this gesture?

He was surprised that the boy would return his hat instead of selling it. He saw core morals that he also had at a young age despite a rotten childhood. He saw a glimmer of himself in Bazzle.

I loved this scene. It shows Tom's true heart. He saw a young boy who could benefit financially from selling Tom's hat. Instead, Bazzle returns the hat to Tom because it wasn't Bazzel's to sell. I agree with Anita. Instead of changing because of his current situation, Bazzel holds onto his core morals. Tom wanted to reward the young boy by giving him a position. It would be an easier life for the boy.

I loved this scene too. He saw himself in Bazzle and wanted to reward him for being honest.

This was the first insight into Tom’s core values. He found it admirable that Bazzle, who was clearly impoverished, would do the right thing. At this point, I wasn’t sure of a connection to Tom’s own past but it felt like it.

I loved the Bazzel scenes. Tom saw himself in the child. He had a time in his life when he was living on the streets and needed a helping hand. The Paxton's gave him a job and a place to stay. He wanted to help Bazzel and at least reward him for returning the hat.