Character
Who is Melinda's former best friend who now refuses to talk to her?
Rachel
What happens on Melinda's first day of high school that gets her in trouble?
She gets a demerit for wandering the hall.
What does "dread" mean?
To fear something that is going to happen.
What does the tree symbolize for Melinda?
Her growth and struggle to heal.
Who says: "I am Outcast"?
Melinda
Who is the art teacher that sees potential in Melinda and pushes her to try harder?
Mr. Freeman
What is Melinda's year-long art assignment?
To draw a tree.
What does "outcast" mean?
Someone who is rejected by a group.
What does Melinda's reaction to the pep rally reveal about her?
Her trauma and her inability to cope with overwhelming situations.
Who says: "You've already let them beat your creativity out of you!"?
Mr. Freeman
Who is the new student who tries to be Melinda's friend, but Melinda keeps pushing her away?
Heather
Where does Melinda find a "sanctuary" at school?
The janitor's closet.
What does "sanctuary" mean?
A safe place.
What does the janitor's closet represent for Melinda?
Safety / sanctuary / her need for protection.
On what page does this quote appear: "It is my first morning of high school. I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate, and a stomachache"?
Page 3
Who is the social studies teacher that Melinda has a conflict with?
Mr. Neck
What happens at the pep rally that causes Melinda to leave?
She is overwhelmed by the noise and crowd. Plus she is bullied by 2 girls from that party.
What does "sarcasm" mean?
Saying the opposite of what you mean, often to be funny or mean.
What does Melinda's habit of biting her lips symbolize?
Her anxiety and her silence
What does the quote ""We fall into clans: Jocks, Country Clubbers, Idiot Savants, Cheerleaders, Human Waste, Eurotrash, Future Fascists, Big Hair Chix, the Marthas..." (p. 4)" reveal about Melinda's perspective on high school social groups?
She sees the social groups as labels and doesn't feel she belongs to any of them. Her cynical tone shows her outsider perspective.
What does Melinda call the boy she is afraid of? (She can't even say his name.)
IT
What does Melinda receive at the end of the First Marking Period that shows her failing grades?
Her report card.
What does "strategy" mean?
A plan to achieve a goal.
What is the central theme of the novel?
Finding your voice.
What does the opening quote on page 3 reveal about Melinda's attitude toward high school?
She is anxious and negative about starting high school.