The School Story

Natalie and Zoe have “a push-and-pull friendship, the kind that can happen when two very different people like each other a lot” (15). While Natalie has a talent for writing, Zoe’s talent is in talking. They also have different approaches to telling the truth. How do their differences make them a strong team as they work to get Natalie’s novel published?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might first consider the role each girl plays as they execute their plan, how each girl’s approach to problems differs, and how each girl uses her strengths to move the plan forward. You might also link this question to the Personal Connection Prompt regarding talking versus writing; students can note the strengths of each form of communication while discussing Natalie and Zoe’s roles.

Differential Suggestion: Students who find whole-text analysis challenging might find it helpful to pre-write for this analysis by making character charts to explore the traits of both girls through their actions, physical attributes, family background, and interactions with one another.