Sierra is hurt when she realizes so many members of her family have kept her shadowshaper powers a secret from her, even though they thought they were trying to protect her. How did keeping secrets from each other impact Sierra’s family?

Robbie’s tattoos honor his varied cultural heritage. Why is it so important for Robbie to have these tattoos?

Sierra’s friends play a major role in the novel. Discuss how her friends—including Robbie, Nydia, Bennie, Tee, Izzy, and Big Jerome—helped her throughout her process of learning about shadowshaping. What is Older trying to tell us about friendship and community?