Study Questions
Why does Amy pull her "Numbers"? What is the appeal for Adam?
Discuss the effect of a three part narrative structure in I Am the Cheese.
Robert Cormier based most of his novels on his hometown of Leominster, Massachusetts. I Am the Cheese, too, is set in a small town. What are the reasons, other than autobiographical, Cormier sets his stories in small towns? Please consider Cormier's ongoing theme of the individual versus society.
In what ways does I Am the Cheese specifically appeal to teenage readers? How does it also appeal to adults?
Why do you think Adam takes his childhood stuffed animal, Pokey the Pig, in a package that is supposed to be for his father? Why would he, in his fantasy world, at least, want his father to have this item?
In what ways does Adam realize his dreams of becoming a writer? Refer specifically to his first person account of the bike trip.
In what ways are Grey and Brint similar, apart from their mutual goal of making sure neither David nor Adam know more than they are letting on?
