First Marking Period
What does Melinda's mother say or do when she discovers that Melinda harms herself.
Melinda's mom says, "I don't have time for this, Melinda." (p 88)/ 2. The mother leaves a self-help book for Melinda to read on the toilet seat. Melinda's mom doesn't take the time to support Melinda in a positive manner.
When Melinda is struggling in art class, Mr. Freeman says that her imagination is paralyzed and presents her with a huge book on this style of art (made famous by Pablo Picasso).
What is Cubism?
What adult is starting to break through to Melinda?
Mr. Freeman
What does Melinda first think when she sees the letter in her locker?
That it is a joke
OR
That David Petrakis gave it to her.
The bad habit Melinda has
What is she bites her lips?
After making racist comments about immigrants, David Petrakis and his parents take this action to stop him.
What is bringing in lawyers (or videotaping the class) to monitor his class.
Who Melinda thinks wrote her Valentine's Day card
Who is David Petrakis?
Melinda compares herself to this animal whenever she encounters Andy Evans
Bunny or Rabbit
What does Melinda steal from Hairwoman's desk? Why is this important?
She stole "hall passes' to excuse her own tardies or absences from class. She can leave whenever she needs to and can hide in the janitor's closet.
Melinda helps Brendan Keller (AKA Basketball Pole) with this.
What is making foul shots?
When Heather tells Melinda they can no longer be friends, she gives this reason.
Why did Melinda get emotional over the gift she received from her parents on Christmas?
She realizes that they notice / see her. She isn't invisible.
What does Melinda call the janitor's closet?
Her burrow.
What is ironic about the job choices that Melinda receives?
They are about communication or public service and she can't talk or be around people.
What does Melinda do to get rewarded with new clothing from her parents?
She went to every class every day for a week.
What does Melinda start bringing for lunch every day?
Bologna Sandwiches
What does Heather say to Melinda that is especially hurtful. Explain why it is hurtful.
She says that they were NEVER friends even though they did everything that friends would (shop, gifts, hangouts, trips). This shows she used Melinda to get in with the Heathers.
What is symbolic about the school changing their mascot so often?
The constant change of the school mascot is symbolic because it represents the lack of stability and identity at the school. Just as the mascot keeps changing, the school's community and values feel unclear to Melinda. This mirrors her internal confusion and her struggle to find her own identity after the trauma she experienced, amplifying her sense of not fitting in or belonging.
Melinda's Turkey Bone sculpture supposed to represent this idea or emotion
What is pain or being trapped
What actually happened at the summer party?
Melinda was assaulted.
Did Melinda tell the police that there was a party?
No. She was silent on the phone but they tracked the location.
Why doesn't Melinda stand up for herself to adults?
She feels like they won't listen anyways. Waste of time and breath to try and explain when they already have made up their minds.