Deep Question: House of the Scorpion

The book The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is set in the futuristic land of Opium which is said to be located in between Mexico and the United States. What do you think the significance of this location is on the message/theme Farmer is attempting to convey? Would the story or it's relevancy to current society change if it was set in a different location such as Europe or the Middle East?

-TRH

The House of the Scorpion- Deep Question

On page 106, in the novel, The House of the Scorpion, Mr. Alacran explains that his father, El Viejo, believes that implants are immoral. El Viejo believes that God put him on earth for a certain number of years and he mustn't ask for more. Do you agree with El Viejo? If you had the choice to extend your life and live to be 143 years old like El Patron, would you do it? Why or why not?

The House of the Scorpion

In The House of the Scorpion, based on Matt’s thoughts as he smashes the window, what do you think he values most in life? More importantly what do you value most in life? I have known people in my past that seem to value things more then people. Have any of you ever experienced anyone like that? This reminds me of the saying, "The Best Things In Life Aren't Things."

The House of the Scorpion

Celia snaps at Matt when he calls her mama. Then she says to him, "I love you more than anything in the world. Never forget that. But you were only loaned to me, mi vida." Why doesn't she explain the term loaned to Matt? Do you think that Celia was really protecting Matt by keeping him locked in her cottage and ignorant about his identity?

Emily

House of The Scorpion

In the book House of the Scorpions, Clones are created in order for people to live forever. Do you think this is ethical? Are clones human? and What factor does GOD play in your decision? If not GOD is this use of clones going against Mother Nature?

What role does religion play in the novel? I think that it is significant. El Viejo rejects the fetal brain implants on moral or religious grounds. How does Celia show her religious traits? Why does El Patron find Mr. Alacran rude when he tries to discuss religion, and specifically El Viejo? Can you sight other spots in the novel that have religious implications? Or religious metaphors?

House of the Scorpion Deep Question

In the novel Matteo and Maria develop and special friendship, which blossoms into something more although even their friendship is discouraged, let alone romance between a human and a clone. What do you think would happen if Matteo and Maria were given the opportunity to purse their feelings without disapproval or external influences? Have you ever had a friendship or relationship that was disapproved of or forbidden? If so, do you think those who didn't like the interaction were concerned for your well being or afraid of their own societal hang-ups?

Deep Question / House of the Scorpion.

If human cloning becomes a common practice, would the clones become a new ethnic group? Would American clones have to fight for their constitutional rights such as other groups have in American history?

Deep Question: Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Sherman Alexie's novel Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, we follow the defining moments in Junior's life through his journal. What defining moments would you write about? Why is telling/sharing our stories so important?
-TRH

Megan Deutschman: The House of the Scorpion

The House of the Scorpion was published as a science fiction novel in 2002. When reading it, I couldn’t quite appreciate that it was in the science fiction genera because honestly, it’s not all that futuristic. Hovercrafts exist, communism and dictatorships are alive and well, human rights debates and wars rage on and cloning is no longer a challenge to today’s scientists. One thing that did strike me about this novel though was the issues of eugenics. In the novel people were cloned and created to be a certain way. It’s totally possible to do this in our world today. So please weigh in, dear classmates, where do you stand on the issue of eugenics? (This is something we are currently dealing with as a society but, I guarantee, will become a more poignant debate in the near future.) Is it “right” to be able to choose the sex of our future children? Their looks? Their intelligence? Should we never give birth to a human with defects if it’s avoidable? What do you feel are the pros and cons of eugenics?

Deep question from House of the Scorpion

On page 197 Matt philosophizes about the eejits, and how they don't have any sensations or emotions because of a computer chip implanted into their brains.

-On the surface, Matt read, nothing could could have seemed more humane. After all, what is suffering but an awareness of suffering?

Do you agree with this passage? And if so why? What would the world be like if we were able to stop the human condition of suffering?

Absolutely True Story: Deep Question

When Junior encounters Penelope at his school in Reardon, he is immediately head-over-heels. On page 116 in the book, Junior asks Gordy for advice about how to make a "white girl" fall in love with an Indian. Gordy says that he will do some research and get back to him. A few days later, he explains to Junior that he found an article about a white girl who disappeared in Mexico last summer. Gordy goes on to explain, "over two hundred Mexican girls have disappeared in the last three years in that same part of the country. And nobody says much about that. And that's racist. The guy who wrote the article says people care more about beautiful white girls than they do about everyone else on the planet. White girls are privileged. They're damsels in distress."

Do you agree that the media places more importance on the white culture? If so, in what situations? Do you think Americans portrayed as a superior race? Support your opinion with examples.

House of the Scorpion

The world has the technology NOW to clone not only animals but also humans. In the book "The House of the Scorpion" Matt was a clone, made from the tissue of El Patron. In the book Matt had to deal with a lot of discrimination including being told he was only being grown for spare parts, and being constantly reminded that he was not a "real" human. Do you think that this type of discrimination would happen if we started to make clones from humans? Do you think that clones should be treated as humans thus having the same laws and rights as us?

Deep Question: "True Diaries"

I believe that the school policy on the reservation for all teachers to live on the reservation contributes to a lower quality of education for those students. Do you think if this policy did not exist, a different or better body of educators would choose to work at the school and therefore improve the educational value to the students?

the House of the Scorpion

On page 75 we read "Matt was more than a little disappointed when Tam Lin brought out a sleepy gray horse instead of the spirited steed El Latigo Negro rode." This reminded me of how disappointed I was as a child when Mr. Bubble, the character who always showed up to talk to the children in the bubble bath soap commercials, never came to talk to me! Do you have a similar childhood memory where your vision never became a reality?

Persepolis Deep Question

Marji's parents unselfishly decide to send her to Austria at the young age of 14. The tell her to never forget who she is and where she came from. She fills a jar with Iranian dirt from the garden. If you were forced to leave your home and you knew you may never go back, what would you take with you as a memory of your home?

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian Deep Question

Junior is at an age where fitting in with your peers is everything. He struggles most of his life to make and keep friends due to his physical impairments and appearance. When he decides to go to Reardon, he does not fit in but yet he goes out of his way to make connections with other students. Surprisingly, he does become accepted relatively quickly and makes some friends and even a sort of girlfriend. Do you think the friendships were genuine? Or do you think his new friends were intrigued by the novelty of befriending the one Native American from the rez kid in school?

Persepolis Deep Question:

In Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, When Marji is taken by the Guardians of the Revolution, the women's branch, because of how she is dressed. She is forced to lie to them so they will let her go home. Have you ever been forced to lie so that you can get out of a terrible or uncomfortable situation? If so did you feel bad about it after?

The House of the Scorpion

Far into the book, Matt escapes in search of Maria. Once he is across, he is put in an orphanage for the Lost Boys and is controlled by the "Keepers." Do you think his time in the orphanage gave him the confidence that he was in fact a human being even though he was a "clone" since he was more accepted by the other Lost Boys thus giving him more determination to reach his destination? And what valuable lessons did Matt learn along this journey?

The Absolutely True Story...

Junior left the Rez in search for a better education and a better chance at a life. The people on the Rez disowned him in a way and thought he was sort of traitor for leaving his people. Have you ever done something to change your life for the better where you feared that you would be disowned by your family or friends?

The House of the Scorpion

Opium represents pure capitalism where only the most able and most ruthless acquire wealth (El Patron) at the expense of others who are less able or at a disadvantage (the people crossing the border into Opium being enslaved as eejits). The orphan boys working for the good of the people in Aztlan represents pure communism where they are expected to meet work quotas in exchange for room and board but are not paid based on individual performance or allowed to acquire wealth at the expense of others. Which economic system is more just in your mind and why? Can you list any contemporary examples of communism or capitalism taken too far or that work well?

The House of the Scorpion

The very first chapter of this book is what caught my attention the most. Matt seemed like such a scared child having to be locked in Celia's house all day long and not knowing anything about the outside world. Finally one day all these children showed up outside his window and he was so excited that he broke the window to get out. Once the children knew who Matt was they all treated him like he was an animal. Why do you think Maria didn't treat Matt like that and why do you think she continued to be his friend and take care of him?

Persepolis: Deep Question

In Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, throughout the chaos Marji parents continue to send her to school despite the drastic change in curriculum and bias. What do you think they're motivations were? Would you continue to send your child if presented with a similar situation? Why is education so important even in times of war, or is it?

-TRH

Absolutely True Diary

The main character Arnold/Junior talks openly about Indian Reservations, at one point he even calls them "Death Camps". He also talks in depth about life on a Reservation and Native American beliefs and rules. How as this the book changed your views about Indian Reservations and Native Americans? Do you think the descriptions were accurate?

Arnold, our protagonist confronts senseless death over and over. He becomes very depressed, but is always able to overcome these tragedies. What is it that gives him his strength to keep moving forward. Many people in a similar situation would give up, and become victims of their own depression. How is Arnold different?

Part-Time Indian

In the book Junior said:
"I'd always been the lowest Indian on the reservation totem pole - I wasn't expected to be good so I wasn't. But in Reardan, my coach and the other players wanted me to be good. They needed me to be good. They expected me to be good. And so I became good."
This happens all over the world, children are told they can not do something and so they don't or they feel like they can't. How did this affect Junior? Have you ever been told that you can't do something? Did you end up proving them wrong? How did that affect you?

Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian Deep Question

Towards the end of the book Junior is recalling the monster pine tree he and Rowdy had climbed and he couldn't believe they had actually done it. Junior also wound up in disbelief he had left the Rez and was succeeding in his new school, something he thought he never thought possible. What else do you think Junior could surprise himself by doing? Have you ever done something you look back on now and can't believe you did or never thought you would actually do?

Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

On page 11 of the book, Junior states

"I wanted to hate him for his weakness. I wanted to hate Dad and Mom for our poverty. I wanted to blame them for my sick dog and for all the other sickness n the world. But I can't blame my parents for our poverty because my mother and father are the twin suns around which I orbit and my world will EXPLODE without them."

What is your interpretation of this statement? Do you think there is an age level or a developmental level where children move on to a different perception of their parents? (or parent, or guardian/guardians)

Megan Deutschman: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

There is a reason why this book won the National Book award. It’s good. Really good. I’m a tough critic of literature…chalk it up to my B.A. in English or perhaps my tendency to have an opinion on everything. (Haha.) Anyway, I think this is a book worth teaching to students. The issues are relevant and can be made applicable to most students. Almost every student can identify with trying to fit in, race issues (even white kids), fighting with friends, teen angst, loss, death…and perhaps some can relate to the even "bigger" issues in this book: alcoholism, poverty, violence. I think this book is a wonderful one to integrate. It can tie into history, language arts, political science, etc. Wisconsin and Minnesota have a lot of reservations and used to be a home to many tribes of Indians; that is a lesson in itself. So to finally get into my question…do you agree or disagree with me? Is this the best book we have read for this class so far? Why? Why not? Do you agree with my assessment that this novel would be the most applicable and relatable for students?

Deep Question: Persepolis

In Persepolis, Marj takes a strong stance on the beliefs and opinions of her family and people close to her. As a teacher, what strategies might you use to intervene when two or more students engage in a heated discussion over a personal belief or opinion?

Deep Question: Persepolis

War is one of the major themes in the novel, Persepolis. On page 116, Marj is quoted saying, "When I think we should have avoided it all...it just makes me sick. A million people would still be alive." Being a U.S. citizen and connecting this to our own lives, this reminds me of some peoples' thoughts on the war in Iraq and Afganistan. Do you feel that the war the United States is involved in is something that should have been avoided? Or, do you think it was necessary that we got involved?

Persepolis

The main character in the novel Persepolis is very outspoken child. She is growing up in a time when being outspoken about opposing viewpoints is against the law and those who spoke out paid the price. If the United States was no longer a democracy and you could be jailed and tortured for your view points would you still speak out against the government? Do you think this would ever happen in the "Land of the Free"? In what ways do we as citizens speak out against our government today?

Absolutely True Diary Deep Question

Alcoholism is described by Junior, particularly towards the end of the book, as a major problem on his reservation and in most Native American reservations. Alcohol caused the death of his grandmother, his sister, and a family friend. He emphasized the vast majority of deaths on his reservation are alcohol related. Why do you think many of the Spokane Native Americans are alcoholics? Have you ever been to a reservation and seen evidence to refute or confirm Junior's criticism of Native Americans having a problem with alcohol?

Deep question:Persepolis

I found it very interesting that as a ten-year-old Marji was very versed in politics. Her family included her in discussions and never sugar-coated the complexities of the world. Do you think we as a country have done a disservice to our youth by not allowing them to explore the complexities of political discussion. It seems as though our educational system tries to portray things in a "politically correct" manner. What is the rationale behind it. Do we as a nation undermine the true value of education by not discussing controversial topics? Does this cause the youth in our country to exist in a protective vacuum?

Absolutely True Diary-Deep Questions

Junior is a really strong teenager who wanted to make himself better. He made the brave decision to leave the reservation and go to a white school off the reservation. Do you think that if you were put in that situation you would have been able to make that descision, knowing that people on the reservation were going to treat you horrible and pretty much disown you? Also after all the people that died in Juniors life, would you still be strong enough to continue on with your life or would it have been hard for you to move on?

Persepolis Deep Question

Most teenagers try to rebel in some way or another and in the book Persepolis (page 112) it is no different,"in spite of everything, kids were trying to look hip, even under risk of arrest." Knowing that wearing something other then the traditional attire would be dangerous, why would Marji do this? And why do you think Marji's parents brought clothes and shoes for her back from Turkey to wear, knowing that it would be dangerous if she got caught? How would life be different in America if you were unable to express yourself through clothing?

Pedro and Me: Deep Question

During the period of time when Pedro Zamora was speaking on HIV/AIDS it was a very new concept to most people. It was often taught and thought that it was contracted mainly through unprotected homosexual relation. HIV/AIDS awareness was most always taught connected to a unit on lifestyle choices. What effect do you think this had on the topic in the minds of the learners, if any? Do you think homosexuality should be discussed in direct connection with HIV/AIDS during a lesson?

The PERSEPOLIS Connection: Deep Question.

I am wondering if anyone has made any connections between the life events of our main character(Persepolis) and her cultural history based on her name? I believe that it could be argued that her life plays out as a microcosm of the ancient soul of all things Persian, the city of Persepolis. I can give this hint for those that have me in other classes this semester, I feel some of the connections involve my favorite historical figure.

Deep Question Pedro and Me

Through out the graphic novel Pedro and Me it addresses the fact that the public schools are not properly educating students on safe sex practices and HIV/AIDS. Looking back to your school days do you think your school did a good job preparing you for these realities? Why or Why not? If not what are some things that the school could have done better?

Megan Deutschman: Persepolis

Knowing that some of our class members (myself included) did not get to read Persepolis in its entirety changes the way I now view the novel. I know that Part II is much more graphic and controversial. However, I have only read Part I and so that is the section this question refers to. That being said, I think one of the central themes in Persepolis is the pull between fighting for your country or leaving your country in search of a better life. People all over the world must make this choice every day. What do you feel you would do if you had to choose between staying in your increasingly dangerous country, protesting and fighting for your rights, or leaving in hopes of a better life somewhere else? What kinds of things would factor into your decision? Is one choice more honorable or noble? Why or why not?

Persepolis Deep Question

On page 133, Marjane is accosted by the women's branch of the Guardians of the Revolution. They criticize her for not dressing like a proper Muslim woman and wearing western, decadent clothes. So how does religion influence Iranian society in Persepolis and how does religion influence society in America?

Pedro and Me Deep Question

In the book Pedro and Me by Judd Winick, we gain a unique perspective into the life of an adult gay male living with AIDS. We also gain perspective into the internal struggle of Judd, who lives in the same room as Pedro. Judd considers himself a "bleeding liberal" who has acceptance for all, however he is shocked by his own attitudes and feelings towards his situation when he discovers that his roommate is HIV positive. Judd struggles through an understanding of his own emotions and is strong enough to realize that his stereotypes and feelings are caused by his lack of education, rather than actual information. Have you ever experienced a situation where you unintentionally project your stereotypes onto someone else because you were lacking education? What happened? Did you take the initiative to learn more about the situation or did you stick to your guns? If you, as a teacher, are confronted with information that one of your students is HIV positive, or their parents are, how would you handle it? Would you project stereotypes on them, be professional but keep your distance, or would you try to further educate yourself and maybe even become involved in helping promote education about HIV/AIDS?

Persepolis Question

Before I read Sarah’s great question, I had come up with a similar question, one that focuses on Marji’s perspective. Pages 148 and 149 of Persepolis (the top inner panels on each page) depict two different adolescent longings, one for independence, the other for connectedness. Marjane experiences these in an intense way because she will be moving away from her parents and her home at a very young age. Given what we have learned about Marjane and looking at the two images, imagine the thoughts going on in her mind at this critical juncture in her life. What might they be?

Publish Post

Deep Question for Persepolis

At the end of the book Marjane's parents decided that it would be better for her to go away and live in Austria. Her parents told her that they would be right behind her and would meet her there but I think in the back of all our minds we knew that would not happen. From a parents perspective would you be able to send your child away at the age of fourteen, knowing that you might not see her again, but knowing that she would be safe and happier away from all the destruction that was going on? Why or why not?

Pedro and Me: Deep Question

I found it interesting how in the graphic novel Pedro and Me by Judd Winick, after Pedro became too ill to continue speaking and touring, his friend Judd took over those responsibilities. Have you ever become inspired by another to join a cause or movement? Do you think young adults are more effective educators on teen-issues than doctors, teachers, or parents?

-TRH

Megan Deutschman : Pedro & Me

This question is directed at those who are “older and wiser” in our class. J The graphic novel, Pedro and Me, highlights Pedro’s fight against HIV / AIDS. What kind of information did you receive about HIV/AIDS when you were younger? How has that information and the way it’s delivered changed over time? How have the topics of HIV /AIDS and sexuality, specifically being homosexual, changed since you were younger? Do you think that younger generations are more informed on HIV / AIDS, homosexuality, and practicing safe sex than you were?

Pedro and Me- Deep Question

In the novel, Pedro and Me, Pedro and his family were forced to separate when leaving Cuba for the United States. This was very difficult on him and his family and as a result, the family missed out on sharing many life milestones with their loved ones. In the novel, it was the Cuban government who decided the older siblings in Pedro's family could not come to the United States. They were too close to the draft age in Cuba. Even so, this whole scenario brings up the issue of immigration in our country. There have been many debates and strong opinions shared on the subject in recent years. Some feel our nation is getting too overcrowded and is unable to take care of the citizens who already reside in our country. This leads to the extreme topic of closing our country's borders.

Do you feel the United States should close our borders to citizens of other countries? If so, why? If not, why are you opposed? Should there be certain parameters followed allowing immigrants to become citizens of our country?

Pedro and Me, Deep Question...

Do you think that prior to an aids presentation / guest speaker, such as Pedro or Judd, schools should send home information and permission forms to allow people to decide if they want their children present for the speaker? Doug Larson

Pedro and Me Deep Question

I would pose this question to my students and try to stir up some debate on the subject of HIV/AIDS...

According to the CDC "more than one million people are living with HIV in the US. One in five, 25%, of those people living with HIV are unaware of their infection. More than 18,000 people with AIDS still die each year in the US". Most people, like Pedro, contracted the HIV virus through not practicing safe sex. Do you think that those that have the virus and knowingly spread it should be tried for attempted murder? In other, words should this be considered a crime? Explain your answer.

Pedro and Me Deep Question

Early on in the story, Judd feels guilty for being fearful about the prospect of residing with an HIV positive roommate. The year was 1994. Since that time, the world has made great strides in AIDS/HIV education and awareness. Nonetheless, do you think most people would feel differently today, 17 years later?

Pedro & Me Deep Question

This interesting graphic novel, showed us how this intelligent, young man completely changed his life plans after discovering that he had Aids. I believe this was due to a strong need to help and inform others of this terrible disease. If you found out that you had a life altering disease, would you do things differently in your life? And why? Also, if this were you, do you think you would have the courage to do what Pedro did?

Pedro & me deep question....

It seems that youth feel less inhibited to discuss their sexuality these days, including identifying their sexual orientation. What if, as a teacher, reading Pedro & Me, inspires one of your students to "come out of the closet?" How as an educator do you handle such a situation in the classroom?

Pedro Changing his Life

On page 57, after Pedro graduated high school, he made a decision to lecture at schools, PTA meetings, colleges, churches, and to anyone who would listen about what it is like to live with HIV. He had the grades and ambition to go to college, but instead he changed his plans after contracting HIV. Why do you think he did so? And how would you change your plans if you had a life threatening disease?

Pedro and Me - Deep Question

As we begin thinking about censorship, what concepts or specific parts of “Pedro and Me” might parents of students find objectionable? What might their reasons or rational be?

Pedro And Me-Deep Question

So when Judd got the call from the MTV producers and they asked him if he could live with a person that was HIV positive and Judd said that he would be ok with it, but seemed not really sure about how he felt. What would have been your response if you were back in 1993 and got the call to be on MTV Real World? Keep in mind all the misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. Would you have been ok with it?

A Question

Many times throughout the book, Lia's dead friend Cassie would appear. While this caused Lia much anxiety and frightened her, she kept restricting and wanting to loose weight. Only in the end, when she was near death with Cassie encouraging to die, did she develop the will and strength to finally live and try to become a "real girl again." Why do you think it took Lia so long to finally reject Cassie's encouragement to die and join her? What encourages people and yourself to change negative behaviors so ingrained?

Helpful information...

I went to Laurie Anderson's website and on the teacher's section there were some helpful links to teach this book:
http://madwomanintheforest.com/teachers/youngadult-wintergirls/

Check it out!

Wintergirls

In the book Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, Lia is constantly struggling with her views towards authority figures. She refers to them constantly by their first names like "Jennifer" and/or their titles like "Dr. Marrigan" instead of "mom." Why do you think Lia does this throughout the book? Do you feel that this could come up with our future students? Is this a red flag? What would you do in a situation like this and/or how would you approach this with teenagers, who can often times be over emotional and sensitive?

Lia, the main character in Wintergirls, suffers from Anorexia Nervosa. Upon further research I learned the following statistics:

-42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner

-10 million females and 1 million males are in a life and death battle with an eating disorder.

-Eating disorders are more prevalent than Alzheimer's.

-Over 1/2 of teen girls use unhealthy dieting methods.

-80% of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance.

How do we as future educators promote healthy body-images in the classroom?

In the novel Wintergirls the main character Lia is constantly aware of how much food she is eating and how many calories she is consuming (apple 70, toast 80, butter 100 total breakfast 250). Lia is also aware of the food that others are eating and she associates them by food. Nowadays many are counting calories and watching what they are eating. How often do you think/worry about food? What is normal thinking and what constitutes as abnormal? What could you do to help a friend who may think about food in an abnormal way?

Pink is a recurring word or idea in the story. As I read I noticed the word pink used many times. Cassie's mouse was named "Pinky", Lia's "pink mouse stomach likes to be small and empty", Cassie's insides popped like a "pink party balloon", Emma put potato chips one by one into her "pink conveyor belt", when Lia was in treatment they stuffed her full like a "pink little piggy ready for market", and Lia's empty string balloon of guts turned from "pink to ghost gray as the cells died off from neglect". The color pink makes me think of things like pure, young, new, innocent, and unharmed. In our society we associate the color pink with baby girls. What do you the author is trying to convey by using the word pink as a metaphor so often in the story?

A SECOND Deep Question

WINTERGIRLS is about a young woman that is emotionally frozen. The author, Laurie Halse Anderson, expresses that her main character “Lia” is “not dead, but not alive". She is like the fairy-tale princess Snow White after she eats the poison apple. She is waiting to be loved in order to be alive.

Lia loves to make a distinction between her NOW and “when she was a real girl”, when did Lia stop being "real"? If she isn't real, what is she? Have you ever felt as though you weren’t real? Why?

Wintergirls.....

This question is for middle school students. I think it would be interesting to see how they perceive the issues in this book. Here is my question:
Many adolescents in the United States have some sort of eating disorder like the two main characters, Lia and Cassie, in the book Wintergirls. The two girls took an oath to be the skinniest girls in school. What do you believe Lia's motives were? Do you believe all the problems Lia was going through were because of her issues with weight and food? Or something deeper? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the book.

A question to chew-on.

Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel WINTERGIRLS brings us inside the private thoughts of her main character “Lia”. I feel that Lia has experienced such turbulence in her life(her parent's divorce and subsequent lack of connection) that she has become a person that no longer desires to “feel” anything. I believe that emotions were so painful to her that as a defense she would rather feel none at all. She had no control over her parents ending their marriage even though it so deeply affected her life. She likely feels that one of the only areas of her life that she can control is the food she intakes. Since she sees the world in terms of food (“marshmallow-airbag” or “cake-frosting clouds”) and since she has decided that empty is good emotionally and she can control food, she feels the same way about her eating. She even says, “I am shiny and pink inside, clean. Empty is good. Empty is good.” This could mean both empty of unhealthy foods or painful emotion.

Do you agree with this interpretation of the literature? In addition, assuming that Lia did see life as unhealthy and unsatisfying processed foods that are harmful to her, what food would you use to describe your life? And why?

Wintergirls: Deep Questions

In the book Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, the character Lia's eating disorder seems to develop within the chaos of her home and family. How does Lia's anorexia seem, to her, to reduce her chaos? How does it contribute to the chaos? Besides divorce, what are some other issues that cause young adults great stress? How have you seen these issues dealt with healthily and negatively?

-TRH

Wintergirl-Deep Question for Thought

This question is from the point of view of what you would do as a teacher and one that I think about on a regular basis. In the book Wintergirls, Lia comes from a blended family and one that doesn't seem to get a long very well. Her parents are usually arguing and Jennifer and Lia's mom don't seem to get a long at all. Now if you had a student in your classroom, like Lia, who is suffereing from an eating disorder and you noticed that she wasn't doing well in school, how would you go about getting the family together to talk about Lia's issues and possible problems at school?

Wintergirls Question

This is my burning question for teachers re: this book--

I'm stuck. What I want to know is--when would you introduce the discussion of body image and eating disorders to a class? I don't think anyone would argue with the "pound of prevention" maxim--but when does the prevention begin? Too early and it's confusing/not-relevant/scary. Too late and it's too late. So--when? Negative body image--once it takes root, it stays there, whether or not it festers into something "serious." So does one wait for signs? This is my "deep question." WHEN? And futhermore--HOW? As a whole-class? In a "girls club" kind of ASA? In small groups? How to make it safe and comfortable for sharing?

Okay. That was a lot of questions. What I want to know--When do we bring this topic to the table?

Wintergirls Deep Question

In the book Wintergirls, Lia is tortured by the fact that she did not answer the phone when Cassie called her, (33 times). It is obvious that Lia feels guilty about not being there for her friend, when she needed her most. Do you feel that Cassie would have lived if Lia had answered her call? Also, have you ever felt that you have let someone close to you down when they needed you most?

Wintergirls Question: trapped between holidays

I would direct this question toward my middle school students.

Lia uses the phrase “trapped between holidays” to describe subdivision yards decorated with Thanksgiving and Christmas décor. In a way, she was also describing herself, trapped in the clutches of anorexia. Have you ever felt trapped or stuck in a situation or struggle? Describe the situation. How did it make you feel? How did it affect your attitudes and perceptions of yourself and others?

I will direct this version to my fellow future teachers.

What other kinds of situations/struggles to you think young people today can get “trapped” in? What effects do these situations/struggles have on their social, emotional, and academic well-being? What connections might there be between some of these struggles and more life threatening ones like anorexia, drug abuse, severe depression, etc?

Megan Deutschman : Wintergirls

Social and family constructs greatly shape the kind of person we become and lives we lead. It is apparent that Lia, the main character in Wintergirls, suffers from the collapse of her social and familial world. There is much research into the age-old battle between “nature” and “nurture” and what effects a person’s disposition more. Lia is clearly effected by “nature”: pressure from friends to be thin, social media telling her to be perfect, etc. but she also is effected by “nurture”: parents who pressure her to be academically perfect, dealing with her parent’s divorce, etc. What construct: social/nature or family/nurture had the greatest impact on Lia’s illness? Why do you believe this? What evidence from the text can you use to support your answer?

Wintergirls Deep Question.

Considering Lia's mental and physical condition, how will you as a teacher try to intervene when observing characteristics of similar traits or problems with your students?

Deep Question for Wintergirls

As you read Wintergirls, it is apparent that Lia and her parents have a bit of a rift in their communication. Unfortunately, communication is lacking between many teens and their parents these days. Do you feel that a lack of communication between a teenager and his or her parents can contribute to mental illness in a teen? If so, how? Are there certain parental downfalls/traits that may negatively affect a child's mental health during his or her teen years?