Roswell: First Contact Discussion Questions

These discussion questions accompany Roswell: First Contact, one of six interconnected novellas in Earth’s Secret Alliance. They are intended for classrooms, homeschool groups, libraries, book clubs, and individual readers.

Themes: Bullying, first contact, moral courage, and 1947 military tension.

Most questions do not have a single correct answer. Use them to compare perspectives, support interpretations with evidence, and discuss the characters’ choices. These questions may be refined as the Study Edition develops.

Discussion Questions

1. How does this introduction to Dow’s story change your perception of it?
2. Geogram argues that humanity’s experience with war is exactly why humans might understand the Moadites. Is he right? Can experience with conflict make someone a better peacemaker?
3. The Zalmen have no word for "weapon" — Geogram must define it for the council. What does a culture’s vocabulary reveal about its values?
4. The Zalmen initially judge all humans by humanity’s history of violence. Is that prejudice or reasonable caution?
5. The council votes to seek help from beings they fear. When is it wise to trust someone whose values differ from your own?
6. Malcolm defends Adam from bullies before he ever meets an alien. How does the way you treat people prepare you for bigger tests?
7. The ship’s computer predicts a 97% chance Zalma falls without human help. Should life-and-death decisions ever rest on a probability?
8. What else did the council consider?

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