Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Creative Writing: Maddie’s Letter to Peggy”

In this activity, students will write a creative response from Maddie’s point of view addressing Peggy about her bullying.

In Chapter 4, Maddie considers approaching Peggy about her “game” with Wanda but ultimately decides against it. Pretend that you are Maddie and write Peggy the letter about bullying. What would it say? From Maddie’s perspective, use the following questions to guide your letter writing:

• Why do you not like Peggy’s game?
• How does it make you feel?
• Why are you concerned for Wanda?
•  What do you think that Peggy should do from now on?

Once you have finished drafting and proofreading your work for any grammatical mistakes, share your letter with the class. Consider the similarities and differences between your response and your classmates’ responses; how does your letter and your classmates’ letters emphasize both The Damaging Effect of Bullying and Discrimination and The Importance of Respect and Kindness?

Teaching Suggestion: This activity supports students’ creative writing skills within the context of the novel. As Maddie struggles with the guilt of not standing up for Wanda, this activity allows students to imagine what Maddie would say if she defended Wanda.