Throughout the novel, Alyssa struggles with her own generous nature. She learns that, to survive, she must sometimes think of herself first. Which experiences teach her this? Does she completely change by the end of the novel, or is there a part of Alyssa that is still the same generous person? What evidence shows you this?

Teaching Suggestion: This prompt is intended to focus students on Alyssa’s characterization as a dynamic character, and to introduce or review terms like protagonist, dynamic character, static character, flat character, and round character. After students have explored how, and to what extent, Alyssa changes, you might challenge them to explain how Alyssa’s struggle to balance her generosity and the necessity to be selfish sometimes to survive supports the novel’s theme of Selfishness Versus Selflessness. You might also ask students to compare and contrast Alyssa’s journey to learn this balance with that of other characters—how selfless or selfish are characters like Henry, Kelton, and Jacqui at the beginning of the novel, and how do they change, if at all?

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners, as well as students with dyslexia or with attentional or executive function issues, may benefit from working with a partner or in a small group to answer this prompt.