What Happened To Rachel Riley?

Most characters in the book evolve throughout the story, and each has a distinctive role. What role does a character like Cody McLeen serve in the narrative? What is his character arc, and how do his experiences connect to The Interaction of Social Pressure and Identity Formation in Middle School?

Anna describes Rachel as an “antihero” to her grandmother. Do you agree with this summation of Rachel’s character? Why or why not? Support your answer with textual evidence.

The “game” that the boys play is central to Rachel’s story, as Anna uncovers through her investigation. Explore the “game” as a recurring motif in the story. How does it change throughout the narrative? How does it contribute to the author’s exploration of key themes?

Anna’s emails to Babcia offer the reader a glimpse into her thoughts, feelings, and inner reflections. What do Principal Howe’s regular emails signify? Choose one email and analyze its significance to the narrative. Consider how Principal Howe’s perspective aligns or differs with other characters central to the chosen plot point.

Maja tells Anna that there is a time for a “kind, honest intensity” (286). What does this mean? How do Anna and the other eighth-grade girls balance kindness, honesty, and intensity in their eventual address of the harassment situation at school?

The author uses various forms of technology, particularly social media and text messaging, to shape the narrative. How does Swinarski illustrate the impact of digital communication on relationships and conflicts among the characters? Analyze specific instances where technology either amplifies or mitigates the challenges that Anna and her peers face. How does this connect to contemporary issues in adolescent social dynamics?

Compare and contrast Anna and Rachel. What parallels exist between the two characters? Where do they differ, and why? Consider their character traits and arcs. Use examples from the text to support your answer.

When Nik learns about the “game,” she encourages Anna to speak up about it. While Nik can easily recognize problematic behavior in Anna’s situation, she struggles to do the same in her life. Why do you think this is so, and what eventually helps her? How does Nik’s situation connect to The Complexity of Holding Boundaries and Exerting Bodily Autonomy?