Paradise on Fire

How does the novel explore the experience and importance of friendship? How do Addy’s friendships influence her character arc and personal growth?

How does Grandma Bibi mentor Addy throughout Paradise on Fire, despite never physically appearing in the book? How does her mentorship and influence compare to Leo’s?

Addy, Jay, and potentially Leo have had traumatic experiences in their past. How does Paradise on Fire explore the experience and legacy of trauma?

Addy’s full name, Adaugo, means “daughter of the eagle.” What is the wider significance of her name in the novel? How does it illustrate important aspects of her characterization?

How does climate change and global warming impact the conflict in Paradise on Fire?

How does Addy’s sense of identity and belonging change as the novel progresses? Use one example from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel to strengthen your response.

While trying to survive the wildfire, what strengths do Addy, Jay, DeShon and Nessa bring to the group? What does the novel suggest about the nature of community and teamwork more generally?

Analyze nature as a setting in the novel. How is the natural world described? How do the characters’ ideas about nature develop over the course of the novel?