Anything But Normal chapters 8 and 9 discussion

Today we began a good conversation about intelligence and what it is. Jason was considered a "genius" when he was 4 because he could spell any word that he had seen once. Later on, he was considered "behind" all of his peers in school when he got older.
Question 1: What do you think happened to change Jason's status? What is intelligence? Is it something that changes or always stays the same?


Another thing that happened in the book was that Jason lost his temper and knocked over a pottery wheel. When the teacher left the room, the other kids threw clay around the room. Later on, the adults assumed that Jason had done it, and none of the kids spoke up and said that he did not.
Question 2: Have you ever been blamed for something you did not do? What did you do about it? How is that different from what Jason did?

I look forward to reading your responses!

Anything But Normal chapter 7 discussion

In chapter 7, Jason once again says that his mom is sad. He said that if they lived in Phoenixbird's story, where every thing is perfect, than his mom would not be so sad. Remember, this story is told from Jason's point of view.

Question 1: Do you think his impressions of his mom are accurate? Do you think she is sad? Explain why or why not and give at least two examples of evidence from the book that backs up what you think.

Question 2: If this story were written from Jason's dad's point of view, what do you think he would say about his wife? Why do you think that?