Discussion/Study Questions Pages: 49-92

1. Discuss Melinda’s decline, including physical symptoms

She doesn't care about her health, her physical appearance, and doesn't talk.

2. Analyze the social studies “debate” and its aftermath. Note who challenges the teacher and the position each person takes. How do you feel about this type of debate? Is the teacher right or wrong? Do students have a right to challenge a teacher?

Patrakis is the student who stands up to Mr.Neck. Other students just agree with the teacher just so they don not get into trouble.The teacher is definitely wrong. I think do have the right to challenge a teacher when appropriate.

3. Who is a “real” American? What do you think of Mr. Neck’s opinion? Going by his definition, are some of you not really Americans?

A Native-American to me is a real American. Mr. Neck is completely wrong. He believes that he is a real American but I bet if you traced his family back a couple generations you would find he truly isn't American. Yes he was born in America but that doesn't mean he owns the country. Mr. Neck believes that if you were born here you are American but to me that doesn't make me American. My mom's mom was born in Puerto Rico making me Puerto Rican and my dad's parents were born in England and Wales making me Welsh and English. Really if I wanted to move to England because I have a dual citizenship.

4. Discuss the Thanksgiving dinner for Melinda’s family and why this is significant.

Melinda's mom believes if they all sit down at a table together and eat a turkey that they are a true family but Melinda knows that this really doesn't make them any more of a family then what they already are.

5. Analyze Melinda’s statement about her parents, “I bet they’d be divorced by now if I had not been born.” What does this reflect about her self esteem?

Melinda means that it is because of her that her parents haven't divorced. like she is the glue to her parents relationship. It's kinda like it's all her fault that her mom and dad have to live together.

6. Examine Melinda’s references to her secret and what this reveals about her relationship with her parents. What do you think happened at the party?

Melinda was raped at the party. When Melinda wakes up screaming due to a nightmare and her mom thinks it's due to friends, this shows how not in tune her mother is in Melinda's life.

7. Discuss Melinda’s athletic ability, her attitude toward being on the basketball team, and the comparison she makes between basketball and life.

Melinda has not athletic abilities and doesn't want to be on the team.

8. Analyze the deterioration of the relationship between Melinda and Heather. Why is it that people sometimes like us more when they can get something out of us? Are the Marthas good friends to Heather? Why or why not?

Melinda and Heather are not real friends at all. Heather just used Melinda to climb the "social ladder." The Marthas just used Heather to do the same.

9. What should we value in other people? What qualities are important in a person? What do you usually notice first about people? Does that really matter?

People today take others for granted. I think you never truly love the things you have until you no longer have them. Qualities that are important in a person are: trustworthiness, honesty, etc. The first thing I notice about a person is usually how they present themselves and it does matter because it shows me a little about how that person behaves.

10. Examine Melinda’s reference to IT. Pages 85-86 & 89-90

IT: Andy annoys her

11. Discuss the school conference with Melinda’s parents and the aftermath. What do you think about Melinda’s suicide attempt? Was it real? What does it indicate? What do you think about her mother’s reaction?

The school conference was no help at all.Melinda's Suicide attempt was silly and unsuccessful and her mother should pay more attention so it's not so shocking.