We Are Okay

After losing her grandfather, Marin sinks into grief. Though she still experiences grief, by the end of the novel, she has begun to heal. Many moments lead her to that point. What most helps Marin heal?

Teaching Suggestion: It could help to brainstorm different people, things, events, etc. that help Marin heal. Students could rank these from most to least important. They might assign weights to each, and the weights must add up to 100%. These types of activities before the discussion can help guide students to identify the most important causes of Marin’s healing. This discussion could be a powerful time to review counterarguments and qualifiers. Marin’s healing does not happen because of a single thing. Viewing one or two things as the most important does not discount the others entirely. Follow-up questions leading to students rereading and finding additional evidence can add to the power of this activity. The discussion connects to all three themes: Grief and Loss, Loneliness, and Healing and Belonging.

Differentiation Suggestion: Diverse learners might benefit from visuals. Maybe they have sticky notes with different people, things, or events on each. Students can move the notes and place each along a continuum from Not Very Helpful to Very Helpful.