We Are All Made of Molecules

Ashley experiences the most character growth in the novel as she navigates the complications of maintaining her image in front of her peers. What does Ashley value in others in the first half of the novel? How does her perspective on those things change? What might Ashley consider to be valuable now? Cite details and examples from Ashley’s character arc as you formulate your response.

Teaching Suggestion: To analyze what Ashley considers to be valuable and how her perspective changes, students may find it beneficial to analyze her early relationships with her family and her peers and compare those to her relationships at the novel’s conclusion. Students might instead address the prompt by creating an analysis chart (dividing their paper into three sections, analyzing what Ashley believes is valuable, the event that causes her to change her mind, and making predictions on her new outlook on life in the future).

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from additional assistance with abstract analysis may find it helpful to discuss Ashley’s character growth and change in perspective in small groups. Students might complete the graphic organizer with assigned roles: leading group discussions, writing in the graphic organizer, sharing with the class.