Author: Allison Wiest

Discussion Questions for
Roaming Riley: A Delmarva Adventure
Chapter 1 – A Cozy Spot
Compare and contrast Rosie and Nicki. How are they similar? How are they different?
Describe Riley. What does he like to do?
Why did Riley climb into the dad’s suitcase? Make a prediction about what might happen now that Riley has fallen asleep.
Chapter 2 – Road Trip
Making connections: Think of a time you were really scared. How did you feel? What did you do?
Opinion: Should Riley have meowed to get his owner’s attention? Why or why not? What do you think would have happened if he had?
Imagine if Riley had actually jumped out of the car to run home. What do you think would have happened?
Chapter 3 – Surprise!
How did Mr. Westnick react to seeing Riley in his suitcase? How do you think you would have reacted in the same situation?
Chapter 4 – Lazy Day? No Way!
Describe your first impression of Bagel. Why do you think Riley trusted him so easily?
Think about the cliffhanger at the end of the chapter. What do you predict is going to happen to Riley?
Chapter 5 – Boardwalk with Bagel
Check your prediction: What actually happened to Riley? Were you surprised?
As Bagel and Riley walk down the boardwalk, nobody seems to notice them. What would your reaction be if you saw them together?
At the end of the chapter, there is another cliffhanger. What do you think happened to Riley this time?

Chapter 6 – Why go slow when you can go FAST
Check your prediction – What actually happened to Riley? Have you ever been to a place like that?
Think about the rides the animal friends go on during the chapter. Which ride sounds like the most fun? Why?
Bagel tells Riley they are going to explore all of Delmarva. Have you ever heard of that, or been to any places on the Eastern Shore? If you have, what are they like? If you haven’t, what do you predict the friends will do?
Chapter 7 – A Pretty Penny
Compare/Contrast: How is Assateague Island different from Ocean City? How are they similar?
Riley trusted Bagel immediately. Why was it harder for him to trust Penny?
Imagine you were one of the spectators watching the Pony Swim and the parade. Describe your reaction if you saw the animals riding on top of Penny.
Prediction: Will Penny be auctioned or will she go back to live on Assateague Island?
At the end of the chapter, there is another cliffhanger! Do you think Riley should trust Bagel? Why or why not? What do you predict will happen?
Chapter 8 – Jet Skis, Speed Boats & Dolphins
Check your prediction: How did the animals get back to Ocean City?
Character reflection: How has Riley changed since he first met Bagel?
In this chapter, we meet another new character. Describe your first impression of Bo.
Chapter 9 – Riding the Waves
Riley wasn’t sure how he was going to get from Bo to the shore, and then Barny showed up. Can you think of any other ways that Riley could have gotten to land?
Have you ever had the opportunity to swim with dolphins? Describe your experience. If not, what do you think it would be like?

Chapter 10 – Beach Buddy
Have you ever ridden waves in the ocean, either on a surfboard or boogie board? Describe your experience. What do you think it was like for Riley to ride on Barny?
We meet another new character in this chapter. Describe Cuddles. How is he different from the other animals? How is he similar?
Cuddles is a funny name for a crab. Why is it perfect for this character?
Chapter 11 – Hanging with the Gulls
Riley has shown that he has a few different talents. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
We meet 2 of Bagel’s friends in this chapter. They are seagulls and spend their days flying all around. If you could fly anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Chapter 12 – A Haunted Adventure
Riley finds another fun way to ride from one place to another. How is this ride similar to his ride with Penny?
Walking past the bookstore makes Riley think of his owners at home. If you were away from home like Riley, do you think you would miss your family? Why or why not?
Compare/Contrast: How are the rides at Funland different from those at Trimper’s at the Ocean City boardwalk? How are they similar?
All of the animals are scared on the Haunted Mansion ride. What kinds of things scare you?
Chapter 13 – Race to the Finish
Imagine you are a passenger in a car on the highway when Riley drives by. How would you react?
Would Riley from Chapter 1 have run in the race? Why or why not? How has he changed?

Chapter 14 – Here, Fishy Fishy
How is Fenwick Island different from the other places the animals have visited? Which town do you think you would like best? Why?
Bagel talks about all of the stories he has heard from people. If you met Bagel, what would you tell him?
Chapter 15 – Popping in for Popcorn
Cuddles had to say goodbye to his new friends so he could go back to the water. How do you think his life will change now?
Imagine you are Cuddles returning to your friends in the water. Describe your day to them.
Chapter 16 – A Cat’s Dream Store
The animal friends have eaten a lot of food together today! Which of their meals would have been your favorite?
Make a prediction – how will Riley and Bagel get back to the hotel?
Chapter 17 – Rooftop Promises
What has Riley learned from his day with Bagel?
Do you think Riley will travel somewhere with his owner again? Why or why not?
Chapter 18 – If He Only Knew
What do you think will happen when Riley gets home? Do you think any of his owners will ever know what he really did all day? Why or why not?
Where will Riley’s next adventure be? Describe where you would like him to go and what would happen there.
In Roaming Riley, we meet a lot of animal characters. Who was your favorite character? Is your personality similar to any of the characters?

Chapter 14 – Here, Fishy Fishy