Discussion Guide

For Where People Like Us Live

Patricia Cumbie dancingThe subject matter of Where People Like Us Live invites discussion of complex social issues. Check out these discussion guide questions to get started.

  1. Describe the relationship between Libby, the book’s narrator, and her friend Angie. Is it a true friendship or a friendship of convenience?
  2. Do you think Libby and Angie’s story would be different if they had belonged to another socioeconomic class?
  3. Compare and contrast the differences between Libby’s relationship with her parents and Angie’s with hers. How does this affect each girl’s self-image and how they relate to others?
  4. Why is it so important for Libby to speak up about Angie’s situation? Are there any other actions she could have taken? What would you do?
  5. Where People Like Us Live deals with the themes of protection and friendship. Discuss other books or situations where someone had to face similar challenges.
  6. Do you think that what happened to Angie is addressed among adults and teenagers to the extent it should be?
  7. What do you think will happen to Libby and Angie in the future?