My Life as a Book

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Overcoming Obstacles is a key theme in the novel.

• How does Pedro help Derek understand the importance of persistence in learning? (topic sentence)
• Examine the relationship that Pedro has with his owner, Michael, and what Derek learns about Pedro’s training to become a helper monkey.
• In your conclusion, discuss how this lesson changes Derek at the end of the novel.

2. Derek is characterized by his mischievous and rebellious nature.

• Why does he act out in risky and destructive ways, and what does it show about his reluctance to grow up? (topic sentence)
• Detail three instances in the novel where Derek acts out. Explore what he’s reacting to and how others react to him.
• In your conclusion, examine the possible reasons that Derek might be worried about growing up using clues from his asides in the novel.

3. Mystery is a key motif in the novel that propels plot and character development while also illuminating key themes.

• How does the mystery of Susan change Derek’s perspective on himself, his parents, and life itself? (topic sentence)
• Explore how Derek viewed himself and the world before his summer of discovery and investigation, and how his feelings changed as he learned more about Susan.
• In your conclusion, examine how mystery helps explore the theme of Human Lives as Stories.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. In an essay of at least three main points, explore how the novel uses illustrations as a multilayered literary device. Why did the author choose to include her son’s illustrations in the novel? What do the illustrations demonstrate about protagonist Derek Fallon and his views of the world? How do illustrations serve as an alternative approach that helps Derek learn to appreciate reading? Include at least one quote per paragraph in your essay.

2. Derek has a sense of humor, and this characterization tool is evident throughout the novel in his narrative and illustrations. What does Derek’s humor say about him and the other people in his life? How does Derek use humor as a coping mechanism, and what is he coping with? Why did author Janet Tashjian choose to juxtapose humor with more serious elements like Susan’s death?

3. Derek is labeled a reluctant reader because in the novel’s exposition, he dislikes books without pictures. What skills does Derek learn that help him enjoy books without pictures? Who supports him in this process? Why do you think some kids have an aversion to reading, and how can teachers and parents help them?