Discussion Questions for Hold Fast by Blue Balliett

About the Book

When Early’s father mysteriously disappears, she takes it upon herself to try to track him down.

Discussion Questions

1. The Pearl family collects their favorite words in a notebook called a “Word Book.” Discuss some of your favorite words and why they are important to you.
2. Many people believe that names have an effect on personalities. What does your name mean? How does it relate to your personality?
3. One of the Pearl family mottos is “words are free and plentiful!” What is the significance of this statement for the Pearls?
4. After Dash disappears, Early’s behavior changes. How does she act more like the mother than the daughter?
5. Dash and Early find rhythms in everything from numbers to architecture. What rhythms do you notice in your life?
6. Early and her family dream about buying a house. What are some of your dreams?
7. If you were writing something for Early’s Home Dreams idea, what would you write?
8. What do you think would have happened if Early had not investigated her father’s disappearance?
9. Why do you think the title of the book is Hold Fast?
10. Combine all the names in your family to make one special family name just like Dashsumearlyjubie.