Reading Questions for "This Is What It Means To Say Phoenix, Arizona"

1. Identify (underline) examples of repetition, humor, and stereotypes.

2. How are Victor and Thomas different?

3. Why does Thomas tell stories?

4. Why would a person tell stories if no one listened?

5. What is the "fair trade" that Victor and Thomas make at the end of the story?

6. Why do the other boys hate Thomas? (p. 70-71)

7. Describe the relationship between Victor and Thomas.

8. What themes do you see in this story? Generate a list.

9. What is the role of flashbacking in this story?

10. Find and list three facts about the author, Sherman Alexie.