What is the connection between Mason’s experiences and his own self-perception? What characters in the novel help to address his poor self-image? Who or what do you think will continue to improve the way Mason thinks about himself?

Teaching Suggestion: Mason worries about being bullied by Matt and other students at school. Students may find it beneficial to first analyze the way the bullies and the townspeople treat Mason to consider the influence they have on his self-perception. Students may then wish to explore the characters who directly and indirectly improve Mason’s self-image. For the final question, it may be helpful for students to reflect on the changes in Mason’s environment in the novel’s conclusion that may contribute to his well-being.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who would benefit from strategies that promote abstract thinking may find it useful to work in small groups to share and hear ideas about Mason’s self-perception and how it may be influenced by outside factors. Consider providing students with a Venn diagram to chart good influences and bad influences on Mason’s self-esteem. Students may then highlight factors that have been removed by the novel’s conclusion to discuss their impact.