I found that a US School – St Sebastian’s in Needham, MA – was encouraging summer reading of Rosemary Sutcliff’s children’s historical novel The Eagle of the Ninth. I was delighted of course, but wondered if the questions would encourage an emotional and reflective, as well as descriptive, reaction to the novel. Am I being churlish?
History 8 – Summer Reading Guide
The Eagle of The Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff Where does this historical novel take place?
What are the modern day countries that the story takes place in?
In your atlas find each of the places mentioned in the List of Place-Names at the back of the book.
How does these locations relate to the Roman Empire?
Who are the characters in this novel?
How do they fit in to the Roman Empire?
What are some differences between the Roman occupiers and the native residents of the north and the south?
If you have seen the movie, what differences are there from the book?
ROSEMARY SUTCLIFF (1920-92) 
In my experience, discussion questions provided for teachers (for kids/YA books) or book clubs (for adults) are always worthless.
I’m just glad (as I’m sure you are) that they’re promoting the book. I was astonished to find on my holiday to California this summer that none of my friends with kids or the kids themselves had heard of either book or movie, and I gave three different 12-year-olds a copy.
Good luck!
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