Payback

1. Early in the story, Sam is trying to accept her mom's boyfriend. Why do you think this is so hard for her? How did you feel about him? 2. How did you react to Sam's visions in regard to the bullying incident? Did it make you uncomfortable? 3. How would you feel if you witnessed bullying behavior? Would you get involved? If so, what would you do? 4. Have you ever been the victim of bullying? Or maybe you've been a bully? If so, explain how that made you feel. 5. Sam and her mother seem to be speaking two different languages sometimes. Why do you think communication between them is so difficult? Can you relate to that in your own life? How? 6. Sam's mother's opinions on her daughter's gifts changed drastically after Sam's vision led to her rescue. Do you ever wish something miraculous like that would happen in your own family's relationships? Describe an "everyday" miracle that you'd like to see in your own life. 7. Did you suspect that Brandon would be involved in the prom shooting? Why or why not? 8. What did you think of the people whose lives were in danger at the prom? What did you think about their relationship with the shooter? 9. How did you feel when Brandon was the only person shot? 10. Can you imagine what it would feel like to have a gift like Sam's? Do you think it would be a blessing or a curse? Why? 11. What kind of gifts do you have? Explain how you feel about them.Carlson, Melody is the author of 'Payback', published 2008 under ISBN 9781590529348 and ISBN 1590529340.