The War With Grandpa

Peter tells the reader he’s typing the story and speaks directly to the reader. Find three examples when Peter speaks directly to the reader. How does this technique help the reader experience the story through Peter’s eyes?

How does poor communication drive the story? Find three examples of poor communication and explain how the characters could have communicated more effectively. How would those scenes have been different with better communication?

There are many novels for young readers that center on relationships between kids and older adults. Read one of these novels—whether it’s Dahl’s The Witches or Sachar’s There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom—and compare and contrast the works. What do the kid-adult relationships have in common? How do they differ?

Smith has written other novels for young readers, such as Chocolate Fever and Bobby Baseball. Read one of his other books and compare the main character to Peter in The War with Grandpa. How do Smith’s characters convey stubbornness, honesty, and preoccupation?

There is a sequel to The War with Grandpa called The War with Grandma in which Peter’s daughter, Meg, experiences conflict with Grandma Sally. What do Sally and Grandpa have in common? What do Meg and Peter have in common?

Focus on Peter’s friend group. Why does Peter hang out with Billy and Steve? What do they have in common? How are they different? Why doesn’t Peter take their advice?

How does Grandpa Jack change over the course of the novel? Pick three events and explain how each one contributes to his changes.

Watch the movie version of Smith’s novel and explain how the film differs from the book. How does the movie balance the serious mood with the silly mood? How does the movie change the characters and the main themes?