Blind Your Ponies

What is the significance of Grandma Chapman and Peter’s relationship? How does Grandma Chapman influence Peter? In what ways do Grandma Chapman’s stories about her past help Peter grow? Provide textual support.

How does the Broncs’ newfound winning streak impact the team? How do they change their mentality about winning? Do you think the Broncs win the championship because of their history of losses? Why or why not?

How does West use the locals of Willow Creek to highlight the basketball team’s struggles? Why does Willow Creek feel invested in the Broncs’ successes and losses? How does Willow Creek help or hurt the Broncs’ confidence? Provide specific examples.

Describe the significance of the tandem bicycle in front of the Blue Willow. How does the bicycle represent hope? How does the bicycle connect to the Broncs’ struggle with believing in themselves?

What is the significance of Mervin’s regret? How does this tie in with Peter’s decision to return to Willow Creek? Why is the significance of Mervin and Maggie’s story ending without redemption?

Why does Sam relate to Don Quixote? What are the overlaps between Don Quixote and the Broncs? Provide specific examples.

Describe the role of George in the novel. Why does he treat Tom so harshly? Why does Tom have no sympathy for his father? What is the significance of the barn prank? How does George become an empathetic character?

How does Sam overcome his belief that he is destined for hardship? What is the significance of his flashback about the baby elephant? How does this connect to his flashback about the outhouse? How does he reframe these flashbacks by the end of the novel?