Reading Group Guide All Ears A FunJungle Novel By Stuart Gibbs Discussion Questions 1. In the opening of All Ears , Teddy shares, "I realize that ''detective'' is an unusual job for an eighth grader. I solved mysteries. I hadn''t really chosen to do this; it just sort of happened. I was in the right place at the right time to crack a few cases, and word got out that I had a knack for it." From what you read about Teddy in this novel or in previous books in the FunJungle series, what specific qualities does Teddy possess that make him particularly adept at detective work? 2. Teddy relates, "When the Common Scents Company called me up and offered to pay me to solve a crime, I was intrigued. Up until that point, I''d been helping everyone for free.
" (Chapter one) Are you surprised to learn that thus far, Teddy has been solving mysteries for free? Do you think it''s fair that he hasn''t been paid by those he helps? Why or why not? 3. As Teddy investigates the urine theft, Teddy and Tessa chase the thief to Drake High School, where they discover a herd of elephants has gotten loose on the football field. This bizarre situation becomes a major distraction for the local police force. Why is Teddy concerned about their ability to handle the situation? Why are the behaviors of the crowd so problematic? 4. While trying to convince the police officers to accept their assistance with securing the loose elephants at the local high school football game, Teddy''s dad tells the police, "''We know plenty. Trust me, you need us.''" (Chapter three) Why might the police be naturally inclined to pass on their offer, rather than accept their help? What do Teddy and his father have to offer? 5. As the police tell Teddy and his father about the significant challenges they already face at the football game due to the intense rivalry of the teams, Teddy''s dad states, "''Teenagers can be awfully passionate,''" to which the police correct him by offering, "''Oh it''s not the teens we''re concerned about.
It''s the adults . The hate runs deep in this community. Last year, an all-out brawl erupted when a Drake parent mooned Danville''s principal in the parking lot.''" (Chapter three) Does it surprise you to learn that the parents behave more poorly than their kids? Why or why not? 6. While trying to uncover the mystery of the disappearance of Tanzy, an African elephant from the Sinclair Family Wildlife Sanctuary, Teddy states that "the Sanctuary fell under the jurisdiction of Sheriff Lyle Esquivel, which was a problem. My previous encounters with him hadn''t been good ones. He was gruff, grumpy, and not very interested in detective work. He and his deputies didn''t do much except hand out speeding tickets.
" (Chapter four) Based on the history between them and the description of the sheriff provided by Teddy, why might Sheriff Esquivel take issue with Teddy and his search for Tanzy? 7. When Teddy inquires whether Summer is going to help work on the case, she tells him, "''You can''t Sherlock without Watson.''" (Chapter four) What makes Summer''s assistance in investigating so invaluable to Teddy? In what ways are their individual skills unique? What are some of the specific ways in which Summer shines? 8. After reading All Ears , what do you believe would be the most rewarding part of participating in an investigation such as this one? Discuss any major drawbacks to this kind of experience, as well. 9. As Teddy and the Sinclairs attempt to focus on possible suspects for Tanzy''s disappearance, Teddy sees a photo of the African elephant and states, "''Those are really big tusks. I''ll bet they''re worth a lot of money. Maybe someone wanted them.
''" (Chapter five) Why is this possibility so worrisome? How does realizing all the ways Tanzy might prove financially valuable to her kidnapper make this investigation more urgent? 10. After Teddy''s dad presses to better understand Anna''s evidence that the elephants were assisted in escaping, she tells him, "''My elephants would never break through that fence, even if the electricity was down. They have all the food and affection they could possibly want at the Sanctuary. Why would they try to escape? Someone definitely let them out.''" (Chapter six) Consider her logic and debate as a group why you believe she''s right or wrong. 11. Teddy tells Xavier, "''That''s not an emergency . I have a missing elephant to find.
She could be in danger.''" Xavier retorts by crying, "''I could get sent to juvenile hall!''" (Chapter seven) Why does Teddy not realize how anxious Xavier is about being falsely accused of vandalism? 12. Xavier is accused of vandalizing construction equipment at TurtleTown, a former reptile habitat. The habitat is being turned into a wind farm by J.J. McCracken, the owner of FunJungle, and Summer''s father. Summer notes that "''a whole lot of land like this got destroyed for the park. Which means that even though FunJungle teaches people about conservation and helps protect endangered species, a bunch of local animals lost their habitat and maybe even died because of it.
Is it worth that?''" (Chapter nine) As a class, debate the ethics of Xavier''s attempt to halt construction, and whether FunJungle''s existence is moral. 13. Though they both agree it''s probable that someone stole Tanzy in order to hunt her locally, Teddy and Summer argue about who they believe is the most likely suspect. Summer makes a case for Mel Frewer, an orthodontist, and argues that orthodontists have "''basically found a way to torture people and get their victims to pay for it. That''s sadistic. A person who has a job where they cause children pain would absolutely be willing to steal and hunt an elephant.''" (Chapter twelve) Consider Summer''s logic about orthodontists. Do you think her rationale makes sense? Why or why not? 14.
Why is Tessa Claymore ultimately not surprised to learn that the thief stealing her deer urine is her "no-good brother-in-law," Travis. Why might Travis be motivated to continue to target Tessa? 15. Is Xavier''s ongoing frustration with Teddy warranted when Teddy doesn''t shift all his attention to proving his best friend''s innocence after Xavier is arrested for vandalizing construction equipment at TurtleTown? Why or why not? How do you think this will impact their relationship going forward? 16. Describe Waldo Grimes. Explain why you were surprised (or not, supported by evidence in the novel) to learn he was orchestrating crimes to drum up business for his security company. 17. Throughout All Ears , readers learn a lot about elephants. What were some of your favorite things to learn? What makes elephants so special and worth protecting? 18.
As the story ends, Teddy and Summer have once again solved another important case. Predict what new mystery will come their way in the next installment of the FunJungle books. Extension Activities - In All Ears , readers learn a myriad of interesting facts about elephants. Begin by reviewing elephant species here: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/elephant. After these readings, research to learn more about today''s conservation efforts for these majestic creatures. Using gathered new knowledge, have students take that information and, using the medium of their choice, create a visual that can be showcased and shared with others.
- Readers are introduced to Tessa Claymore, a farmer who sells deer urine to hunters. Use the following article from the Seattle Times to learn more about a real-life deer urine farmer in Pennsylvania: https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/pennsylvanias-golden-harvest-deer-urine/. While reading, be sure to look for the following: o How much urine does this farmer harvest? o How much does deer urine typically sell for? o Why do hunters utilize deer urine? o What are the biggest challenges to this work? As an extension, review the following to learn about other strange occupations: https://theweek.com/speedreads/448924/deer-urine-farmers-are-real-thing-25-other-strange-occupations . After reading, select one that intrigues you and make a case for why you might be willing to give it a try. - In All Ears , readers learn that TurtleTown, a former reptile habit, is being destroyed to build a wind farm in its place.
This habitat destruction causes environmental concern and highlights the conflict between development and nature. Using resources from the National Wildlife Federation (https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Habitat-Loss), work together with a small group to research and learn more, also focusing on the following questions: o How is habitat destruction defined? o What are the main causes of habitat loss? o What are ways to combat habitat loss? o How can individuals make a personal difference? o Are there any local campaigns in your area dealing with this issue? Work together to build an awareness campaign that can be shared with classmates or your school''s community.