Numerous interactions with others cause Melissa (from this point forward, the main character will be referred to by her chosen name) pain. Some are obvious, like the boys who laugh at her. Even some characters that think they are helping her end up hurting her. How could different characters in the novel have been more accepting and supportive of Melissa? Reflect on these points as you develop your answers:

• How does Melissa’s mom initially react when Melissa tells her she is a girl?
• When trying to reassure Melissa, what words does her teacher say that hurt her?
• How do her brother’s actions at the beginning of the novel differ from his actions at the end?
• What lessons does Jeff need to learn?
• Although very supportive most of the time, when could Kelly have been an even better friend?

Teaching Suggestion: As students prepare to discuss, they might create a chart. For key scenes, they could list details in one column of what happened and details in another column that would have made the interaction more supportive. During the discussion, focusing on one scene at a time provides an opportunity for the class to uncover more detail and nuance. After the discussion, the class could reenact some of the scenes incorporating their revisions; a play is central to the novel, and this activity could enhance that dramatic aspect of the unit.