HMH Book Clubs

More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can’t be it. . . . Or can she?
In the spirit of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Newbery Medal winner Avi creates an inspiring story of a headstrong girl determined to control her own destiny.

AVI has written more than fifty acclaimed novels for middle grade and teen readers, including the Newbery Medal-winning Crispin: The Cross of Lead and two Newbery Honor winners. He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Q. Ida must choose between hating herself and scaring herself. Have you ever faced a similar choice? What did you decide? Would you make the same decision now?

Q. Tom tells Ida something his uncle once said: "If you want to try something new, and you”re not scared, means you”re not really trying something new." What did he mean?

Q. When Ida’s dad asks her if she wants to be treated like a kid or a grown-up, she confesses, "I don’t know." Why wouldn’t she want to be treated like an adult?

Q. Ida has to deal with Herbert when he acts up in class. Would you have handled the situation differently if you were in her place?

Q. Tom warns Ida not to forget who she is. Why would that make things harder for Ida and her friends?

Q. How is a day in Ida’s one-room school different from or similar to a day in your own school?