To those still waiting to be seen as real, know I will never stop advocating until all voices can be heard.
Discussion Questions
1. In the beginning of the book, why do people like Elvi and Miss Marcia assume Charity can’t learn? What evidence do they have? Can we make assumptions about how a person’s mind works based on the way their body moves? Is it okay to think that because someone cannot speak, they cannot understand?
2. Why do you think Charity’s dad can teach her to surf and ride a bike, when doctors said she could never do these things? What makes him such a good teacher, according to Charity? Is there something you learned to do (or want to learn) even though someone told you that you can’t?
3. How does Charity define pity? Why do you think she feels puny when people pity her? What makes you feel puny? What makes you feel real?
4. Why does Charity feel hopeless at the beginning of the book? What is her life like? What does she want more than anything?
5. When Charity feels overwhelmed by emotions, she often thinks of her animals to help calm her. How do you stay in control when you feel overwhelmed?
6. Describe the changes in Mason from beginning to end. How does he think about Charity in the beginning of the book? Why? What makes him change his opinion? Why does he take a risk and stand up for her at school? Tell us about a time you stood up for a friend even if you felt scared.
7. Charity’s first typed sentence was “I am intelligent.” Why do you think she typed that first? If you were in Charity’s place, what would your first sentence be? Why?
8. Charity says, “Believe that treasures are in all.” What treasures might exist in characters like Skyler or Jazmine that can’t be measured? What treasures exist in you that can’t be measured?
9. Charity also says, “Believe that all kids can learn.” How does this attitude—Every Person Is Capable—affect the way we treat people like Charity who can’t talk or who communicate differently?
10. Once Charity is able to communicate, she discovers her true mission. What is it? Share ideas about your possible mission.
11. Charity tells us that kids like her rarely have friends. Why do you think that is? What are some ways to bring kids together instead of keeping them apart? Can you think of ideas for your school or community?
12. Try not speaking for one day (or half a day) and only communicating by typing on a tablet or writing in a notebook. How did it feel? What did you learn?
About the Authors
Carol Cujec, PhD, has worked as a writer and educator for more than two decades. Her own teaching and parenting experiences have given her welcomed insights into celebrating neurodiversity. Carol lives in San Diego with her husband, three children, and a mischievous orange tabby.
Peyton Goddard knows how it feels to be labeled as incapable of learning. For twenty-two years, her unpredictable body and inability to speak led people to assume she was mentally challenged. Once she gained a dependable mode of communication, not only did she learn, she graduated from college as valedictorian. Today, she is an advocate for inclusion who writes and presents about valuing all people and protecting those most vulnerable from abuse. Her message centers on “changing this worrisome world” through compassionate understanding and support for all. Peyton lives with support in her own apartment, adjacent to her parents’ home in San Diego.
Contents
The R-Word
Charity Case
Bert and Ernie
Boredom Academy
Long Walk off a Short Pier
Flavor of the Week: Freedom
Barbecued
The Interview
Chance of Snow in Mexico
Humiliation Served Fresh
A Warm Hornet Welcome
Breathe in Hope
Down the Rabbit Hole
My Rebirth Day
First Words
Pandora’s Box
Coming Out Party
This Is Only a Test
Slam Dunk
Cool Genes
Homework Help
Operation Isabella
The Welcome Table
Mission Improbable
Pep Rally Princess
Diagnosis: Delusional
Math Knights
Least Valuable Player
Hornet Sting to the Head
Basketball Savant
A Place Pity-Free
Principal Pointless
Voice Thief
Attack of the Purple Elephants
Breadcrumbs of Truth
Sounds like Torture
Disco Drama Queen
Godzilla’s Revenge
Over and Out
Final Words
Mission Possible
Afterword by Carol Cujec
Acknowledgments
Discussion Questions
About the Authors
Landmarks
Cover
