Discussion Questions

 

 

1. This series was inspired, in part, by an ancient blessing: ankh, wedja, seneb, which means (may you have) life, prosperity, and health. Can you identify differences in how the ancient and modern characters think about “life” in the story? What sections of the story reveal uniquely ancient Egyptian notions and how do they differ from yours?

 

 

2. As explored in the book, Pharaoh Akhenaten tried to elevate his favorite god, the Aten, over the many traditional gods of Egypt. Do you think that was good for his country? Can you identify sections of the book that speak to this change and how some ancient Egyptians may have felt about it?

 

 

3. Jagger’s sense of responsibility is an important theme in the book. “It’s your job to take care of your sister,” his mother often told him. How does this sense of responsibility manifest itself in the book? How do you think Aria feels about it? Does Jagger change throughout the book?

 

 

4. Jagger and Aria have different strengths and they use different resources to solve problems. What are some problems Jagger solved and what personal attributes helped him solve them? What problems did Aria solve and what characteristics enabled her to do so?

 

 

5. Jagger is worried about who to trust throughout the book. Do you think he’s too suspicious of other people? Do you have a sense of what factors in his life contributed to his struggle to trust people? How does Aria differ from him in this respect? Who do you think is right? Jagger or Aria?

 

 

6. Ancient Egyptian artifacts are peppered throughout the book. Can you identify five different artifacts that played an important role in the story? Which ancient artifact was your favorite?

 

 

7. If you were trapped in the Amarna period and couldn’t get home, what modern luxuries do you think you’d miss most? What would be the best thing about living in ancient Egypt? What do you think would be the hardest thing?