She Named Me Wolf question

Hello,

If you read or might read 'She Named Me Wolf,' here are some discussion questions recently submitted to a book club that I hope may be of interest to readers.

Character & Development:
1. Wolf’s Coping: How does Wolf use his imagination and ‘otherworldly’ friends (Polly, animals) to cope with his family situation? Do you think these are healthy coping mechanisms?
2. Polly’s Role: What do you think Polly represents in Wolf’s life? Is she purely a friend, a guardian, or something more symbolic? And is there any indication that she may be ‘real’?
3. Growth Over Time: How does Wolf change between childhood (when Polly first appears) and adolescence (later in the book)? What are the main turning points for him?
4. Supporting Character Roles: In the context of the 1970s, when physical discipline was often normalized and family matters were considered private, how might these societal attitudes have influenced Wolf’s mother to ignore or minimize the abuse happening in their home? Do you think she was unaware, emotionally overwhelmed, complicit, or consciously choosing silence? How does understanding the cultural mindset of the time change the way we view her actions—or her inaction? What about his karate teacher, Master Kelly? Did he do enough to protect Wolf?

Plot & Structure:
5. Reality vs Fantasy: Are there moments when the line between what’s ‘real’ and what’s imagined blurs? Which scenes made you question what was actually happening?
6. Karate and Discipline: Why is karate important to Wolf? Beyond self-defence, what deeper meaning does it have in his journey?
7. Life-or-Death Decision: Without giving away spoilers, discuss the major decision Wolf faces later in the novel. What does this decision say about his character?
Themes
8. Survival & Resilience: How does the theme of survival play out in both Wolf’s external (family) and internal (mental) struggles?
9. Reincarnation & Spirituality: In what ways do Wolf’s memories of being a samurai influence his sense of self and his present-day behaviour?
10. Identity & Belonging: Does Wolf feel like he truly belongs; to his family, to his imaginary world, or to his past life? How does this evolve?
11. Agency & Choice: How much agency does Wolf have in his life? Does he feel empowered by the end, or is he still constrained by his past and his environment?
Personal Reflection
11. Belief Systems: Did you believe Polly was a ‘real’ ghost, or more a psychological manifestation? Why?
12. Support Systems: Think about people (or fictional characters) in your life who play Wolf’s role (encouraging, otherworldly, wise). How do they help you navigate difficulties?
13. Imagination as Power: How important is imagination (or inner world) in your life? Do you think it can be a source of strength in hard times?
Comparative / Broader Questions
14. Compare to Other Books: What other novels can you think of where a child uses imagination to cope with trauma (e.g. Bridge to Terabithia, A Monster Calls)? How do they compare?
15. Cultural & Spiritual Context: The book weaves in Japanese samurai history, reincarnation, and a ghost. How does this blend of spirituality and culture influence the story’s message?