Discussion Strategies

Literary Luminary- highlight special sections (like a close read)

(P. 6) “’Real friends understand,” Mom had said on the ride home. But here’s what I understand: Sometimes everyone gets invited except us, and it’s because of David.”

·      This section gives good insight into how Catherine is feeling with regard to her brother and public situations.

(P.15) “Mom crosses her legs, like she’s settled to stay. I slump on the couch beside her and check if anyone looks like they’ll mind Mom reading out loud.”

·      Catherine is clearly worried about what others think of her even when her brother is not around.

(P. 23) “As she reads, I think how useful a cloak that made me invisible would be right now. If I had one, I’d throw it over my head and run out the door and across the parking lot and the street, all the way through the waterfront park to the wharf, and board the first boat I saw going somewhere, anywhere else.”

·      This quote expresses further Catherine’s desire to live a life with less turmoil. Having David as a brother is a challenge, and because of Catherine’s desire not to cause a scene the concept of the invisibility cloak fits perfectly.

Researcher- Dig up/discover background information that is relevant to the reading (not always possible)

David suffers from autism, a medical condition that impacts the nervous system that causes him to behave differently. Information on the specifics of autism can be found at www.autismspeaks.org, an organization dedicated to educating the public about autism, providing resources for those with autism and their families, and helping advance research for advancing interventions.  

Other Resources:

www.autism-society.org This website focuses on working to  “…improve the lives of all affected by autism”.

www.aota.org The American Occupational Therapy Association web page provides a wide variety of information about occupational therapy.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd/index.shtml?utm_source=rss_readersutm_medium=rssutm_campaign=rss_full The national Institute for Mental Health shares information on autism.

Travel Tracer-carefully track the action in words or diagrams

1.     Catherine and David begin the story at home while Catherine and her mom try to convince David to get into the car.

2.     Catherine and David talk to the moving men at the house next door.

3.     The family is at OT and Catherine’s mom reads to her while she colors and David is being seen.

4.     Catherine draws a picture of Jason, but he gets upset. Instead she draws a picture of a house and gives it to Jason.