Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

How do Mal’s ideas about her own ethnicity change over the course of the novel? Pick two events or instances in the novel that inspire her to reconsider her perspectives on race and ethnicity.

Compare and contrast the characters of Reagan and Jennifer. Consider the challenges both girls have faced, the strategies they used to overcome these difficulties, and how these have shaped their outlooks on life.

Examine the novel’s portrayal of middle school friendships. How can friendships be nurturing, and how can they turn unhealthy? Choose details from the novel to support your interpretations.

Discuss how the setting of the novel draws attention to its themes. Also, how does the story—which focuses on instances of bullying at a middle school—reflect larger social issues?

Mal uses the term “intellectual curiosity” to explain Jennifer’s fascination with the cosmos. What does it mean to have intellectual curiosity? Which other characters in the novel possess it? Does Mal come to acquire it? Analyze examples from the text to support your interpretation.

How does the topic of extraterrestrial life enhance the novel’s messages about otherness, discrimination, human nature, and hope? Focus on Jennifer’s ideas and experiences as you develop your answer.

Examine how the novel portrays adults as being tangential and, overall, ineffective in addressing the challenges the young characters face. Consider the young characters’ parents, Principal Vaughn, and the teachers at the school.

Consider the novel’s narrative strategy of shifting between Mal’s first person narration and Jennifer’s journal entries. Does Mal come across as a reliable narrator? Why or why not? What facets do Jennifer’s journal entries add to plot and character?