These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Have you ever broken a bone and had to wear a cast? What challenges and conflicts did you experience while wearing the cast? Did the injury and/or the cast require you to miss out on events or opportunities? To what extent did the cast require you to rely on assistance from others?

If you’ve been lucky enough to have never required a cast to heal an injury, use your imagination in considering these questions, or reflect on the experiences you’ve witnessed in others. What do you think would be the most challenging part of wearing a cast?

Teaching Suggestion: With sensitivity to particular students in mind (those who use a wheelchair, crutches, or braces, or those with other needs or injuries), you can lead discussion of the challenges of casts with regard to immobility, bathing, itching skin, writing/schoolwork, the weight of the cast, necessity of slings/crutches, etc. Use the question regarding assistance from others to connect to the novel’s theme of Acceptance and Generosity.

Post-Reading Analysis

An allusion is a reference to history, religion, literature, mythology, or culture in a story. The allusion might be just a brief reference, or it might carry deeper meaning.