Code Orange

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is terrorism? What are the different types of terrorism, and how have they affected international politics and diplomatic relations today?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer question invites students to consider the novel’s theme of Terrorism: Pre- and Post-9/11 in the context of 20th- and 21st-century world history. Terrorism involves violent acts against society in order to advance a political purpose. With the increase of both technological advancement and relations amongst nation-states on a global scale, global terrorism has become a primary concern for many world superpowers in regard to safety and security. Most notably, the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US marked a notable shift in international diplomacy, as most Western superpowers became increasingly concerned about domestic safety, particularly from countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. More nuanced forms of violence and control include bioterrorism and cyberterrorism. For a more collaborative Short Answer prompt, consider preparing a list of different types of terrorism in advance for students to research and/or define in groups. They might then share their findings with the class.

• This page from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism and shares information about international and domestic threats.
• This resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discusses the threat of smallpox as a form of bioterrorism.

2. Consider the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. What were the motivations for these attacks? How did they affect both US foreign policy as well as daily life in New York City?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Question invites students to consider the historical context of Cooney’s novel in relation to the themes of Terrorism: Pre- and Post-9/11, The Existence of Evil, and The Resiliency of Cities, Particularly New York City. On 9/11, the political and religious group Al-Qaeda led a coordinated attack on US soil, targeting the major US infrastructure of the World Trade Centers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and another unknown location. Motivations for these attacks were linked with the United States’ financial and military involvement in the Middle East over the past decades. The 9/11 attacks were a turning point in early 21st-century foreign policy, ultimately leading to the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Fears of further terrorism on US soil developed in the years after, as security was intensely heightened for those traveling into and through the US. The first resource below may help teachers refine lessons for specific age groups and skill levels.

• This resource from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum shares interactive lesson plans divided by theme and grade level for teachers on the 9/11 attacks.
• “Two Decades Later, the Enduring Legacy of 9/11” from the Pew Research Center explores the effects of 9/11 on American society.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

What does it mean to be a hero? What qualities does a hero have? Is there anyone in your life that you would define this way? Why or why not?

Teaching Suggestion: This Personal Connection Prompt invites students to consider the theme of The Hero’s Journey. The protagonist Mitty is not a likely hero; he is unmotivated in school, unkempt in his house, and uninterested in history and politics. However, as he reckons with the possibility that he may be a carrier of smallpox, he must make difficult decisions that benefit society. This Prompt segues directly to the Discussion/Analysis Prompt.

Differentiation Suggestion: For an extended literary comparison, the following question may be added to the above Prompt: “Identify one hero in literature. What makes this person a hero? How does this person fit into your definition?” Alternatively, students who struggle with reading comprehension and engagement may appreciate the opportunity to expand their options to celebrities or characters in film.