Discussion Questions for News of The World by Paulette Jiles

When did you feel like the relationship between Captain Kidd and Johanna changed? What do you think led to that change?

This story dealt with a variety of social issues that were going on during that time period. What social issues did you recognize? Do you believe the author dealt with social differences in that time period accurately?

What do you think it would be like to be Johanna (living in that time and place in history, having your parents killed, being kidnapped by Native Americans, losing your new family, and being sent on a long journey with a strange man)?

What cultural differences did you see in this story that caused problems of misunderstanding? Have you ever felt judged as a result of cultural differences? If so explain.

What did you think of Captain Kidd’s way of earning a living? In what ways do you think his job was similar and different to what newscasters do today?

What did you think of the way Johanna’s aunt and uncle treated her when she returned to them? What did you think of the way they treated Captain Kidd? Did you think Johanna’s aunt and uncle valued her for anything other than her ability to do work for them?

Did you believe it was ethical for Captain Kidd to remove Johanna from her aunt and Uncle’s home after he had left her with them? Why or why not?

Throughout the story, Captain Kidd suggested to women in the towns they traveled through that they should find clothing for Johanna. He even suggested that it was their Christian duty. What did you think about the way the women responded to this suggestion? Did you feel their responses were Christian?

Do you think that Captain Kidd’s relationship with Johanna affected his desire to reconnect with his other daughters? Why or why not?