Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What internal and external factors impact an individual’s self-image? What effect might your own self-image have on others? What methods or tactics might help someone to develop a deeper understanding of their own self-worth?

Teaching Suggestion: Mason Buttle, the novel’s protagonist, has a poor self-image: he questions his intelligence, is ashamed of his home, and faces bullies who live nearby. Consider discussing the definition of self-image before addressing the related questions. Information, ideas, and language/vocabulary from these or similar resources may help students develop additional context on the topic.

• This article explores self-image, why it is important, and how to improve it.
• This article explores the ways in which individual thoughts influence behavior.

Short Activity

Colors have long been recognized as influential elements that evoke a spectrum of emotions within us. Reflect on the use of different colors and color combinations using examples you find in both art and everyday life, then describe what emotions you associate with different colors.

Teaching Suggestion: Mason associates colors with emotion because he has synesthesia. It may be helpful to discuss this neurological condition and the way colors have an impact on mood prior to having students engage in the activity. One way to complete this activity might be to create a gallery walk. Consider posting colors around the room for students to take notes on. Students can rotate in small groups to share what they associate with each color. After the activity, consider discussing those associations and any differences in opinion.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

In what ways and to what extent do you think others’ opinions affect the way you see yourself? What examples can you think of to support your claim? What other factors might influence your self-perception?

Teaching Suggestion: Mason’s insecurity is a result of several factors: he struggles in school because of dyslexia, is self-conscious because of a condition that causes him to sweat profusely, and considers himself to be unworthy of friendship because of bullying at school and in his neighborhood. Over the course of the story, Mason changes his understanding of himself with the help of friends and family. After noting some thoughts independently on this prompt, students might want to discuss in small groups the factors that may contribute to the way individuals see themselves. This might also spark a longer private response in the form of a journal entry or composition.

• Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge may find it useful to discover positive influences on self-perception through research. Consider asking students to create an infographic describing factors that contribute to a positive view of oneself. This infographic can be displayed for reference as the novel progresses.