These prompts can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before or after reading the novel.

Personal Response Prompt

How do teachers and literature impact Daniel’s experiences? Are these experiences positive or negative? What could have been done differently to help Daniel?

Teaching Suggestion: Prompt student thoughts by asking them to think about Daniel’s experiences in school, with his football coach, and with literature.

Post-Reading Analysis

How does Daniel’s loneliness and pain affect him throughout the novel? How does Sara struggle with loneliness and pain? How are Daniel and Sara different and how are they the same? Compare and contrast their experiences and how they overcome their struggles.

Teaching Suggestion: Provide a graphic organizer to help students organize their thoughts and visually see the parallels between Daniel and Sara.

• A Meet the Author audio records author Wesley King explaining how OCDaniel reflects his real life at 12 years old and includes the first chapter read aloud from the novel.