This semi-autobiographical fantasy explores the nature of good and evil. Themes include the complicated relationship between fathers and sons; the dangers inherent in longing for youth; the significance of personal choice in questions of good and evil; the transformative capabilities of the mind; the disabling quality of fear; the surprisingly ordinary nature of courage; and, finally, the amazing power of joy, acceptance, love, and friendship.

Activities provide an intense exploration of character and theme and help students find connections between these elements of the novel and their own lives, contemporary culture, and other literature. Students are also guided to study Bradbury’s rich language, especially his use of symbols and figures of speech. In this unit, students participate in close reading, small- and large-group discussing, responding to questions and prompts, drawing conclusions, summarizing, journaling, researching, presenting, debating, analyzing text, brainstorming, essay writing, creating artistic models, and making connections.