Characters
This character has the most potential to get a good grade in Phys-Ed
Who is Melinda?
This symbol is present during the "incident".
What is a Dead Tree?
("Welcome to the only class that will teach you how to survive," he says. "Welcome to Art.") was said by this character.
Who is Mr. Freeman? (Page 9)
Melinda is constantly encouraged to use this throughout the novel.
What is Language and Communication?
My heart clangs like a fire bell.
What is a simile? (Page 71)
This character constantly molds to fit in with everyone else.
Who is Heather?
This is the symbol that Hornets and Andy have in common.
What is pain?
He says "My family has been in this country for over two hundred years. We built this place, fought in every war from the first one to the last one, paid taxes, and voted."
Who is Mr. Neck? (Page 53)
Melinda feels/does this after Heather "dumps" her as her friend.
What is Isolation?
We are the Wombats, woozy, wicked Wombat! Wombats, withdrawn, weepy, weird Wombats
What is Alliteration? (Page 69)
This Pennywise namesake can hide the truth with pride and secrecy.
Who is Andy Evans?
This is Melinda's "voice".
What is Art?
She says "Meet me back here during activity period. You are Going Places with That Arm."
Who is Ms. Connors? (Page 75)
This theme is developed by one of the kinder teachers in Merryweather high.
What is friendship?
"Tough love, sour sugar, barbed velvet, silent talk."
What is an Oxymoron? (Page 88)
She is one of the first characters to notice Melinda's emotions through her artwork.
Who is Ivy?
This symbol represents the relationship Melinda's family carries.
What is a Turkey?
Melinda is talking about this wannabe exchange student when she says "She gets mascara in her eye and rubs it, smearing mascara across her face."
Who is Rachel/Rachelle? (Page 21)
This theme is the reason for Melinda's silence after the party.
What is Guilt/Blame?
"So he turns his head and sees me. And wolfsmiles, showing oh granny what big teeth you have."
What is an Allusion? (Page 97)
He is the one who speaks up for the voiceless.
Who is David?
This represents a feeling of uncertainty and transformation.
What are Wombats?
She says "Who was that girl?"
Who is Emily? (Page 45)
Rachelle undergoes this before the novel starts.
What is Transformation?
"Nothing hurts except the small smiles and blushes."
What is Personification? (Page 109)