Liar, Liar

Markie tells Kevin his parents are getting a divorce shortly after Kevin recognizes that his own parents’ relationship might be in trouble. How is the timing of these events significant in developing the plot and Kevin’s internal conflict?

Kevin feels jealous and irritated when he sees JonPaul talking to Tina, even though he hasn’t told JonPaul about his feelings for her. In what ways do Kevin’s emotions highlight the transitional nature of adolescence and position Liar, Liar as a coming-of-age story?

What factors influence Katie’s decision to take full credit for the research paper, once Kevin reveals he lied about having an illness? Based on Kevin’s assessment of her response, how does Gary Paulsen suggest he could have approached his confession differently to change the outcome? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.

What function does Tina Zabinski’s character serve in the story? How does her role in Kevin’s life change over the course of the narrative?

Compare and contrast Kevin’s view of himself in the novel’s opening and conclusion. How does Kevin’s growing self-awareness highlight the novel’s thematic interest in The Consequences of Lying and the Importance of Honesty?

Why does Kevin write letters of apology to the play director, wrestling coach, and newspaper editor, even though he never lied to them? How does his choice to write these letters define his ideas about integrity?

Choose another character, besides Kevin, who might have narrated the story, and discuss how their perspective would change the plot arc, narrative voice, and themes.

Although tone, as a literary device, usually refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject matter, it can also be used to define a character or narrator’s attitude. Describe the overall tone of Liar, Liar. Compare and contrast the attitudes of the author versus those of Kevin, using textual examples to support your conclusions.