Phillip showed prejudice toward Timothy at the beginning of The Cay. Thankfully, Phillip realized that Timothy’s color was not what defined him. Have you ever been discriminated against because you were different? How did this make you feel? What did it teach you about discriminating against other people?

When I was your age, I thought that reading was something they made you do in school. My teachers always talked about how important it was, but I hated to read. Now that I am older and wiser, I have learned that reading is so important in day to day life. I have also learned to enjoy it. Reading is now an escape from all of the stress and worries of life. A book can help you to venture to a different world. It can put you on a beach, a snowy mountain top, or a lush jungle. It can allow your heart to be filled with joy and your heart to break over a character’s pain. How can reading be an escape for you?

Tomorrow is character dress up day! Which character did you choose? Why did you choose this character? What connections can you make with your character?

Phillip is stranded on an island with Timothy, and he is blind. How would you feel if you woke up tomorrow morning blind? How would your life be different?