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

Pre-Reading “Icebreaker”

Brainstorm a list of five or six classroom-appropriate TV shows, movies, books, or other stories that feature a memorable family. What qualities make the fictitious family memorable in the story? Why do you think the concept of family is so popular in storytelling?

Teaching Suggestion: You may want to preview students’ responses with a quick spot-check by sharing appropriate responses on the board. Family dynamics are rife with potential for emotion and conflict, one reason why family sagas make strong bestsellers and hit movies. Connect this prompt to The Mighty Miss Malone by introducing the idea of family struggle during hard times and how sometimes circumstances drive families apart—literally as well as figuratively. Rather than open a potentially sensitive discussion about troubled families, you might want to focus on how fiction both highlights families of all types and offers snapshots of family unity throughout history.

• “Why Family Is the One Thing Authors Will Always Write About” offers concise and conversational points about families in fiction to inform your class discussion.

Post-Reading Analysis

How are racism and discrimination present in the novel? In what day-to-day situations does Deza experience racism and discrimination? To what extent do you think she recognizes the racist views of others at the beginning of the story as compared to the end?