YA Fiction: A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
1. In the beginning of A Magic Steeped in Poison, we learn “the true wielders of Shénnóng magic have their unique specialties. Some brew teas for emotions – compassion, hope, love. Others are able to imbue the body with energy or encourage the drinker to remember something long thought lost.” If you are a wielder of tea magic, what sort of magic would you hope to specialize in? Why?
2. Ning’s connection with her family, especially her sister Shu, motivates her even while she encounters challenges in her journey. How is her relationship with her various family members described in the book? How did her time spent in the palace affect her perception of her family?
3. There are many different types of interactions with women of all ages portrayed in Magic Steeped in Poison. How do these women help or hinder Ning’s journey?
4. Who is your favorite character in A Magic Steeped in Poison? Why? Is there something about yourself that you find relatable to this character?
5. A theme within the story is about how people’s initial appearances can be deceiving, and how our impressions of them may change after several interactions. Which characters within the text are not as they initially appear? And how does Ning’s view of them change as the story progresses?
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Thank you for engaging in thoughtful & respectful dialogue about what you are reading.