1. At the beginning of the story, we learn that school is painful for Ally and that she doesn’t feel as if she fits in with her peers. When thinking about her class, she says, “Maybe they think I can’t hear their words: Freak. Dumb. Loser” (p. 3).

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Think about the power of these three words.  Explain how they make you feel.  Explain when these words are used and what power they have on other people. 

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2. Think about what Ally says about Mrs. Hall throughout this chapter.  Explain how Ally feels about her teacher based on her interactions. Consider how she wants to get her talking about baby names and her comment "To escape this teacher who's holding on and won't let go." (4)

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3. Explain the real question Ally asks when she fills a paper with the word "Why?" (5)

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4.On page 2, Ally says, “teachers are like the machines that take quarters for bouncy balls. You know what you’re going to get. Yet, you don’t know, too."   Explain the comparison and what it says about  Ally's feelings toward teachers. 

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