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About the Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez category
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2
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39
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June 3, 2026
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Overall, what did you think of Happy Land? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
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45
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412
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June 3, 2026
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The author based this novel on the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land. Prior to reading this novel, what did you know about the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Were you aware that such a kingdom existed?
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27
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183
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June 3, 2026
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Have you read any of Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s other novels, and if so, how do they compare to Happy Land?
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18
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130
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June 3, 2026
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Why do you suppose Mother Rita’s visits to the public library were so meaningful her? Did the library play in your childhood? Do you still visit your local library as an adult? How have public libraries changed and adapted over time?
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16
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102
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June 3, 2026
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When Mr. Weaver refuses to honor his promise to sell the land back to the Kingdom at the agreed-upon price, Luella decides to purchase only a portion of the land back. How do you feel about her decision? Do you agree with it?
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16
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83
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June 3, 2026
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To what audience would you recommend Happy Land? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
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15
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121
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June 3, 2026
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What is the significance of using terms such as kingdom and royalty to describe the land and its people?
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15
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128
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June 3, 2026
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When William returns to Luella and moves into the palace, Luella juggles two husbands and feels powerless. Do you agree with her decision to let William stay? Was there something else she could have done instead?
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14
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81
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June 3, 2026
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Land ownership and land loss are central to this story. What did you know about heirs property before reading the novel? How do you think the impact of land loss still reverberates through today's society? What might be done to address it?
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13
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70
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June 3, 2026
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Nikki wonders if her mother abandoned Mother Rita. She also asks herself if “Southern mothers feel a particular betrayal when their children go north.” What’s your take on children leaving home, particularly those that move far away from their parents?
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13
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87
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June 3, 2026
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Nikki feels dissatisfied with nearly every aspect of her life in D.C. and is uncertain about what to do next. How did you feel when Mother Rita gave her the gift of a new life at the end of the book?
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12
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78
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June 3, 2026
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The attorney informs Nikki that the law is not on their side and it is unlikely that Mother Rita will get the land back. However, Mother Rita doesn't believe that. Why do you think she is so certain?
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12
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70
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June 3, 2026
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Luella thinks, “Papa had taught me that choosing a husband was as much about survival as it was love.” (p. 60) What did you think of this statement? Do you think it’s equally true today as it was in the 19th century?
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12
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83
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June 3, 2026
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Luella is shocked by the concept of not voting. What did you think of her reaction? Do you feel many people today share this sentiment about the practice? Why or why not?
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9
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60
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June 3, 2026
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Nikki wonders about the source of the deep rift between her mother and Mother Rita. Why do you suppose they didn’t tell Nikki about the reason for their feud? Do you think they are able to completely heal their relationship by the end of the book?
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9
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60
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June 3, 2026
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Nikki uses a genealogical website to research her family and does, in fact, find information about her ancestors. Have you ever done something similar? If so, how did it feel when you uncovered information about your forebears?
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9
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51
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June 3, 2026
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William convinces the Black residents of Cross Anchor to follow him into the mountains to set up a new community. Why do you think they trusted him? Did they have any choice but to leave, in your opinion? What would you have done in their place?
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7
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51
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June 3, 2026
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How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
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5
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51
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June 3, 2026
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This novel emphasizes the importance of community, family, and legacy and maintaining our connections with each of them. How is this reflected in the story of the Lovejoy women? Is this applicable to your own life? How?
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5
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41
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June 3, 2026
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Do you notice any similarities in the personalities of the Lovejoy and Montgomery women? In particular, what are the similarities and parallels between Nikki and Luella?
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3
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26
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June 3, 2026
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How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader’s understanding of the story?
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1
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29
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June 3, 2026
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