Engage Minds, Spark Conversations
Questions for Classrooms & Book Clubs
Discover a curated selection of questions designed to inspire meaningful dialogue in your classroom. All of them are centered around the themes and characters of Caroline Crocker’s books.
About Dr. Caroline Crocker
WWII Books
Caroline Crocker is the daughter of a part-Jewish man and a half-German woman, both of whom grew up during WWII in the occupied Netherlands. After much research, she wrote Unforgivable about her father and Brave Face about her mother. These educational, insightful, and thought-provoking WWII books provide a platform for high school educators seeking to foster engaging classroom discussions and deepen their students’ understanding of the world. I’ve shared some specific suggested questions below.
Chapter Books
Caroline is part of an immigration-based family. She herself is an immigrant married to an immigrant. Her parents were also immigrants, as were three of her grandparents. When her children were pre-teens, the family moved to the USA, meaning they are immigrants, too! Finally, Caroline and her husband adopted an immigrant. As such, Caroline is exceptionally qualified to explore the impact of immigration and being a third culture child on little ones. She did this in the My Everyday Series of chapter books. These books lend themselves both to reading aloud in a classroom setting and to allowing children to explore for themselves. Second through fourth-grade teachers will find the books helpful in stimulating beneficial discussion. Questions are provided below.
Picture Books
Finally, Caroline is a dog-lover who has experienced the humorous side of having a pet. But the Clemmy the Brave picture books aren’t just fun; they’re educational. Clemmy Gets a Family is ideal for introducing the idea of the need for love. Clemmy Learns to Talk helps children understand different modes of communication. Clemmy Gets a Job will provoke giggles but also helps children develop a sense of self-esteem as they realize that everyone has a purpose. And Clemmy Gets a Sister can be used as a springboard for conversations about new family members and sibling rivalry. All of Caroline’s picture books gently introduce children to one aspect of our loving God–making them particularly suitable for faith-based schools. Questions have been provided for the use of those who educate Kindergarteners through second-graders.
Discussion/ Book Club Questions on WWII Books
Exploring Identity
How do the characters in Brave Face or Unforgivable navigate their personal identities, and what can we learn from their journeys?
Understanding Conflict
What are the central conflicts in Brave Face and Unforgivable? Are those still issues today?
Theme of Resilience
In what ways do the characters in Brave Face and Unforgivable demonstrate resilience, and how can these examples inspire us?
Moral Dilemmas
What moral dilemmas do the characters face, and what do their choices reveal about human nature?
Cultural Perspectives
How do different cultural perspectives (Jewish, German, Dutch, other) influence the characters’ actions and decisions?
Symbolism and Motifs
Identify key symbols and motifs in Brave Face and Unforgivable. How do they enhance the story’s themes?
Character Development
How do the main characters evolve throughout the two stories, and what factors contribute to their growth?
Impact of Setting
How does the setting influence the events of the story, and what role does it play in shaping the characters’ experiences?
Questions on Immigration Chapter Books
Exploring Identity
Name a time when Ireentje does not “follow the crowd.” Was that a bad thing? Is it always? How does Ireentje cope with being different from her friends? Can you think of something she might have done better?
Understanding Conflict
Ireentje and Robbie quarreled a lot! Name some things they fought about. How could this have been prevented or resolved?
Theme of Resilience
Ireentje has many goals for self-improvement. Can you name one or two? Does she succeed? If not, why not? What advice would you give her?
Cultural Perspectives
Ireentje lived in a neighborhood with families who had recently immigrated from several different countries. Can you think of one time when confusion or conflict resulted?
Impact of Setting
These books take place in Canada in the 1960s. How is this place different from where you live? Can you find any places where it is obvious this happened a long time ago? Does the setting influence the events of the story?
Moral Dilemmas
In the different books, Ireentje faces some moral dilemmas: should she lie, tell on someone, disobey her parents. Can you name others? How does she resolve these? What would you have done?
Questions on Faith-based Picture Books
Clemmy Gets a Family
- When Clemmy was adopted, she was a scared little puppy. She grows to be a brave defender of her family. Why? What made the difference?
- The Bible says that “perfect love casts out fear.” Jesus loves us perfectly. Does that mean we don’t need to be scared?
- Sometimes, Clemmy is scared anyway–especially if she sees a “dangerous” cookie sheet or balloon. Sometimes people are scared, too. Clemmy’s family understands. Do you think Jesus understands when you’re scared?
Clemmy Learns to Talk
- Clemmy and her family speak different languages: Dog and Human. What are some ways that they can talk without words?
- The Bible says that God loves listening to us, and He wants us to listen to Him. How do we talk to Him? What are some ways we can hear Him?
- What is the main thing that Clemmy and her family want to say to each other? What does Jesus want us to know about Him?
Clemmy Gets a Job
- Clemmy sees that all dogs have jobs, but she doesn’t know what hers is. How can she find out?
- The Bible says that God made church members with different gifts. We all have a “job”–something only we can do. What are you good at?
- Clemmy tried doing a lot of jobs. Some people know what they were made to do and do it all their life. Others do many different things in helping others. Can you think of a grown-up you know who has many “jobs?” What are some of your jobs? (not only chores)
Clemmy Gets a Sister
- When Mama Duck drops her baby off with Clemmy’s family, Clemmy suddenly has a duckling sister. How does she feel about that?
- What makes Clemmy feel worse? What makes her feel better?
- The Bible says if we help the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters, it’s like we’re helping him. Do you think ducklings count?
- How could Clemmy’s family have helped her be nicer?
“Dr. Crocker’s storytelling captivates children and adults alike, weaving together humor, heart, and wisdom in a way that leaves a lasting impact.”
Marianne Booth
Lower School Principal
“Dr. Crocker is clear, concise, and loads her talks with fascinating examples.”
Mary VanderMaten
Emeritus Dean
“Caroline Crocker speaks with a groundedness and a truth that comes from thorough research. Her mother shared her experiences with her and even co-wrote the book. Caroline initiated the study of her parents’ lives growing up and has written them in a truly entertaining and educational way.”
Kate Hofherr
Regarding the WWII books
“Caroline is an electrifying speaker whose wisdom and passion leave you inspired, challenged, and deeply moved. Her talks are an experience not to be missed!“
Rev. Dr. Johannes Van der Bijl III
MIssionary and Pastor