The Copycat Book Club

Discussion Guide

Reading Tips

The Copycat is a magical realism chapter book that explores themes of self-esteem, family, and friendship. It takes place in the real city of Saint John, which is located next to the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick.

Discussion Questions

1. What is Ali’s personality like? Do you think she is like her mother or her father or Gigi?
2. Ali makes all kinds of rules. Do you think those rules help or hurt her and why? Do you have your own kind of rules, even if they aren’t written down?
3. At the end of chapter two, we get our first glimpse of Percival T. Sloane’s A History of Fog in the Bay of Fundy. Did you find the book as boring as Ali does? Did you wonder why it was included?
4. Ali is so desperate to meet Alfie, that she decides to do something she hates and ends up meeting him in a public place. Do you think that was a mistake?
5. In chapter 9, Alfie tells Ali “My mom says family has to stick together, even if you don’t agree.” Do you agree or disagree with this sentiment? Why or why not?
6. Nobody in Ali’s family will discuss the Sloane Family Feud. What impact does avoiding the subject have on the story?
7. Why do you think Ali only learns about the history of Copycats once she actually becomes one?
8. Were you as surprised as Ali by Cassie and Murray’s reaction to finding out she was a copycat? Do you think Ali’s parents are right to be nervous that Cassie and Murray know she is a copycat?
9. Emily tells Ali “It must be fun, having a fresh start. I’d love to move somewhere new.” What did that tell you about her?
10. Emily gives Ali a sweater, and though Ali is reluctant to take it, she eventually does. How does Ali’s family’s financial situation impact how she acts at times in the story?
11. Ali struggles to manage her friendships. Has that ever happened to you?
12. Murray has many theories about what makes a copycat? Did you think he’s right?
13. What was your favourite thing that Ali changes into?
14. Talk about the role of forgiveness in the story. Have you ever had a hard time forgiving someone?
15. Did you guess what Alfie was trying to tell Ali about himself?
16. Who would you change into if you could?
17. What do you think happened next to Ali?

Dive Deeper

In the story, the fog is another character. Write a short story about what happens in the book from the fog’s perspective.

Make an apple pie: Whenever he’s stressed, Digger bakes apple pies. Try making an apple pie and see if that makes you feel more relaxed!

Make a list of all the things YOU like!