83 pages • 2 hours read
Nora Raleigh BaskinAnything But Typical
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Essay Topics
What does Jason’s story about Bennu reveal about its author? What do you learn about Jason through his fiction writing that you would not otherwise? What similarities do you see between Bennu and Jason?
How does this book help readers understand and empathize with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Why is writing so important to Jason? What would it be like for him if he could not express himself in writing?
Describe Jason’s relationship with his brother Jeremy. How do Jason and Jeremy express their support and love for each other? Are there any negative aspects to their relationship?
What is the significance of the phoenix in this story? Why did Jason choose to name his protagonist Bennu? What does the phoenix symbolize and how does it relate to Jason?
Is Jason a reliable and honest narrator? Find examples in the text of Jason being honest and examples of Jason covering up or portraying only one side of the story. Why do you think he does this?
Some of Jason’s struggles are universally relatable. Which of his experiences are the common pains of growing up?
Should Bennu have taken the surgical treatment? Why or why not?
Why do you think Jason’s mom pushed so hard for him to attend mainstream classes in sixth grade without a one-to-one aide, like all the other kids? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this decision?
Do you agree with Jason’s assertion that boys are not supposed to cry? Have you experienced this cultural expectation? What harm does internalizing this idea do to Jason? What does he have to give up in exchange for being more masculine?
