Clues to the Universe

How does Benji use comics to describe and understand real life? What does it mean when Benji transitions from constantly reading his dad’s comic, Spacebound, to creating his own original comic at the end, featuring Ro as the hero?

How is Finding Meaning in the Face of Loss both an internal and external journey? Where does Ro find meaning after her father dies?

Ro launching her father’s belongings into space would honor his aspirations of being an astronaut, but it would also mean losing the belongings she has with which to remember him. What are the implications of trying to permanently rid herself of his possessions?

How are Ro and Benji each enthusiastic about space exploration in their own individual ways, and what does this say about their approach to life generally? How do their differing viewpoints help add nuance to the other’s perspective?

How does finding his father impact Benji’s character development? What does he learn, and how does it impact his dynamic with his mother? What might the author have been implying about gender dynamics within families through this plotline?

Why do Ro and Benji get along so well, even though they appear to be opposites at first? What qualities do they each have that make the other want to open up and become friends despite both being introverted, withdrawn children?

The protagonists are both entering adolescence and their middle school years. How does this stage of life relate to their inner journeys? What do they learn about The Science of Living and navigating life’s unpredictable nature?

How does Ro and Benji’s bond illustrate Friendship and Its Power to Inspire? How might their lives have proceeded differently if they never met? What major changes occur that are brought about by this friendship?