Explore the ways in which learning about birds informs Charlie’s personal growth. How does his love for birds help him to feel comfortable and peaceful? What do his bird studies help him to understand about people?

Explore how Charlie’s family life influences how he sees himself. How do his relationships with his family members change over time? What does Charlie learn about his role in his family?

Charlie’s dad’s injury creates exceptional change in Charlie’s life. How does Pla use Charlie’s emotional response to change to convey the experience of a person with autism?