Maple & Identity
Maple has an identity that combines two different cultural backgrounds. What are they?
Indian and Jewish
Why does Maple have to repeat fifth grade? What diagnosis does she have?
She struggles with reading and is diagnosed with dyslexia/characteristics of dyslexia.
Name one of Maple's two old best friends.
Marigold OR Aislinn
Maple frequently says she is “fine” even when she isn't. What does this tell us?
She often hides her true feelings from other people.
What does Maple love to create using her voice recorder?
Stories, especially mystery/detective stories.
Maple calls her mixed Indian-Jewish identity by a special nickname. What does she call herself?
A “Hin-Jew”
What does Maple do to hide her reading difficulty at school? Name at least two things.
She uses tricks to avoid actually reading, such as relying on context clues, avoiding reading aloud, or pretending she can read.
Why is Maple upset about her old friends when the new school year begins?
They have moved on to sixth grade while Maple has to repeat fifth grade, and their friendships change.
Maple is told to “assert yourself.” What does this mean?
To speak up for yourself, express what you need or think, and stand up for yourself.
Maple's fictional detective character shares something important with Maple. What is it?
Mira is Indian and Jewish & has a bicultural background, like Maple. She also has a hyphenated last name.
Why is Maple's last name especially meaningful to her? Why does she think names are important?
Her name connects to both sides of her family and her Indian-Jewish identity. She thinks about how names can connect people to their families and cultures.
Why does Maple work so hard to hide her reading struggles?
She feels embarrassed and afraid that people will think differently about her or that she will disappoint her friends, teachers, or parents.
Who is the new student who becomes an important friend to Maple?
Jack
Why is speaking up about her struggles difficult for Maple?
She is afraid of being judged, embarrassed, or treated differently because of her struggles.
Maple is good at creating stories even though reading is difficult for her. What does this contrast teach us?
People can have weaknesses in one area while being very talented in another.
What is one surprising thing Maple struggles to do? Why is it especially surprising?
Maple struggles to read words on a page, yet she loves creating stories and has an impressive vocabulary.
Maple sometimes thinks negatively about her own brain. What does this reveal about how she feels about herself?
She feels embarrassed, frustrated, and ashamed of her reading difficulty and sometimes believes something is wrong with her.
Why does Maple tell Jack that she is staying in fifth grade?
She lies and tells him she is staying behind as a special teacher's assistant rather than admitting that she has to repeat fifth grade.
A theme is a lesson that can be learned from a story. What is one theme of the novel?
Accepting yourself is the first step in being accepted by others. Overcoming challenges is part of life. Friendship is full of ups and downs. Honesty is important, even when it's challenging. Perseverance and practice can help you overcome obstacles. Having a learning challenge does not make you less capable.
Identify two differences between Maple and Mira's characters.
Mira is confident; she has no trouble in school; she is sleuthy, whereas Maple is dishonest; Mira isn't embarrassed by siblings; she doesn't ever feel like a baby.
Maple's family life is important to understanding who she is. Name one detail about her family or home life that helps us understand Maple.
Give details about her parents, her family's Indian and Jewish backgrounds, family traditions, her parents' support, etc.
How does Maple's thinking about herself begin to change?
She begins to recognize that struggling with reading does not mean she is unintelligent or “defective.” She starts recognizing her strengths and accepting herself as she is.
Maple's lie becomes harder and harder to maintain. What does this teach her about keeping secrets and telling the truth?
A lie can become complicated and stressful, and being honest—even when it is difficult—is important for real friendships and relationships.
Which statement best represents one of Maple's biggest lessons?
A. You should hide your problems so other people won't worry.
B. Being different means you cannot succeed.
C. You can have challenges and still have important strengths.
D. Friends should always agree with you.
C. You can have challenges and still have important strengths.
Maple changes throughout the novel. Explain one important way she changes and use an example from the story to support your answer.
Identify a meaningful change—such as becoming more honest, learning to advocate for herself, accepting her reading challenges, or recognizing her strengths—and support it with a specific event from the novel.