Rick

Melissa and Kelly have a close friendship, but Melissa points out that it is not a best friend’s job to protect the other. Do you agree with this statement? Discuss.

There are various LGBTQIAP+ identities represented and explored in this book, but some seem more easily accepted than others. Select a character with a less commonly understood or accepted identity and analyze the challenges this character faces. Where could this character find support?

Select three characters with different gender expressions and explore how they see themselves. Then, use those characters to explain how gender is depicted in the novel.

Why does Grandpa Ray keep his Gamma Ray identity secret for so long? How does Ray’s secret compare to Rick’s journey?

Safe spaces are an important aspect of the novel. Using examples from the text, describe what makes a space safe.

Why do you think Alex Gino chose a talent show/cabaret performance as Rainbow Spectrum’s fundraiser? What type of fundraiser would you choose? Why?

Several acronyms for the LGBTQIAP+ community (e.g., QUILTBAG+) are mentioned in the book. Which acronym would you use, and why?

Using both healthy and unhealthy examples of family dynamics in the novel, select three family relationships to analyze and draw a conclusion about how family is depicted in the novel.