The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? What are some mannerisms, thoughts, or feelings that may be associated with OCD?

Teaching Suggestion: Adam, the novel’s protagonist, has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Students may find it beneficial to explore aspects of the disorder to understand Adam’s and his therapy members’ compulsions in the novel. Because OCD is a disability, it may be beneficial for students to explore the sources and answer the questions as a written, independent activity to remain sensitive when discussing individual differences. Consider allowing students to review the neuroscience of obsessive-compulsive disorder as an overview of the disability before reading the article.

• This two-minute video provides an explanation of the neuroscience behind obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• This article from the National Institute of Mental Health describes the symptoms and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and identifies common triggers for the condition.

Short Activity

Explore the portrayal of heroism in media such as movies, TV shows, or news articles to create a list of characteristics that define a hero. Consider these questions in your exploration of the meaning of a hero:

• What makes an individual heroic?
• What is the difference between heroic figures in fiction versus real-life heroes?
• What character attributes might heroic figures have?
• What aspects of heroism might movies and media fail to portray?

Teaching Suggestion: As part of Adam’s group therapy, he is asked to select an alter ego to help him confront difficult truths. Consider exploring the meaning of heroism and its portrayal in popular media. It may be beneficial for students to create a list or poster of heroic characteristics to revisit and revise their definition of heroism as students read the novel.

• “A Host of Heroes” is a 5-minute TED-Ed video that describes different kinds of heroes and what they can teach us about heroism.
• This article by HuffPost explores what it means to be a hero.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who require an additional challenge can compare and contrast heroic characteristics in media with real-life heroes. Consider asking students to focus on obstacles, fears, and values in their comparison. Students can share their comparisons with peers, emphasizing their areas of focus.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider a time when you were forced to face a fear or harsh reality. What kinds of fears or realities are difficult to face? What coping mechanisms might you recommend to someone who is forced to face difficult truths?

Teaching Suggestion: Adam’s mother has an undiagnosed mental illness that creates a chaotic environment in Adam’s home. Adam, feeling loyalty to his mother, wrestles with speaking the truth about his mother’s worsening condition. Consider discussing hypothetical fears or difficult truths and coping mechanisms students might use to deal with difficult circumstances. Alternatively, students may wish to journal about their own difficult truths and coping mechanisms privately.