Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment Courage

Max and her friends in Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment might just be children, but they have to deal with some pretty harrowing situations—and after a lifetime of this, they are undaunted in the face of danger. They are fearless when it comes to fighting the Erasers, who seem pretty terrifying what with their superhuman strength, sharp teeth, and pack mentality. Max even shows courage in situations she doesn't have to get involved in. When she sees a girl being picked on by a group of older boys, she swoops down to save the day without hesitation.

Questions About Courage

1. Why isn't Max worried about her own safety when she rushes in to save Ella from those mean boys?
2. Do you think that the flock members are braver than the Erasers? Why or why not?
3. Did you expect any of the members of the flock to opt out of saving Angel? Why?
4. How do the flock members react when Max tells them they're going on a cross-country trip to New York City? Are any of them afraid?

Chew on This

Even though Max feels like growing up on the run has made her more afraid of certain situations, she has actually become braver and more stoic in the face of great peril. When faced with almost certain death, she flies in and wreaks havoc instead of worrying about her life.

Fighting the Erasers is scary, but one of the most courageous things the flock members do is turn their backs on Jeb. They basically grew up with him as a father figure, so rejecting him now that he's working for the School is an immensely difficult task for all of them.