Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. How can we discuss books that address serious issues like mental health? How can we make our classroom a safe space?

Teaching Suggestion: The Perks of Being a Wallflower includes a lot of sensitive content, including drug use and sexual abuse. As the instructor, it’s important to create a space where students can come to you if this novel becomes too emotionally difficult or triggering. Discussing this with students at the outset is critical. Let students know that they can talk to you or the school counselor if they have difficulty finishing the novel.

• MentalHealth.gov created a resource to help teachers identify signs that students may be struggling with their mental health.
• Maryville University compiled a list of resources for parents and teachers regarding high school students’ mental health.
• The National Suicide Prevention Line is a 24/7 service that is available at 1-800-273-8255. Provide this number to students.

2. Stephen Chbosky uses an epistolary form as the structure for The Perks of Being a Wallflower.