Throughout the novel, Lakshmi is told that she needs to “work” to support herself and her family. In what ways are Lakshmi’s experiences uniquely tied to her gender? Consider:

• How does her working experience compare to the experience of boys her age in the book?
• In what ways is Lakshmi treated as an object?
• How does her stepfather refer to Lakshmi and other girls in general prior to “selling” her off?

Teaching Suggestion: This question is designed to help students process the theme of How Gender Affects Childhood. For some students, this question may be a challenge because it relies on seeing differences in gender, which they may not be used to. Consider finding specific differences in gender throughout the book and asking students to make the connection instead of setting them free to find their own differences.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

Art as Advocacy

Students will advocate for an issue important to them through poetry.

McCormick writes this novel-in-verse as a way to advocate for the end of human trafficking and child sex slavery. Now it is your turn to advocate for an issue that is important to you through poetry.