We Are All Made of Molecules

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

1. Briefly, what have you learned in your science classes about how atoms combine to form molecules? Which elements are most important to the function of the human body? In what way does the title of the book literally describe a human body’s makeup?

Teaching Suggestion: We Are All Made of Molecules is about two stepsiblings, Ashley and Stewart, who are thrown together following a divorce and loss in the family. The siblings are dissimilar in their interests and popularity, causing friction in the family as they adjust to their new roles in a blended family. The idea that we are all made of the same important building blocks of molecules highlights Stewart’s perspective that all people are equal, despite their social status, because all are made of common elements. This prompt might be used to further discuss the important role of molecules in the body and to introduce and explore the possible meaning behind the novel’s title.

• This thorough infographic demonstrates the elemental makeup of the human body and shows how Inclusive Molecules make up all of our bodies.
• “Atoms and Molecules,” an entry from the BBC-hosted Bitesize, gives a beginner an idea of how atoms combine to form molecules. It includes a 10-question quiz at the end.

2. What is the difference between inclusion and exclusion? What social groups might experience inclusion and exclusion? How might popularity influence behavior? What might be the emotional impact of inclusion and exclusion?

Teaching Suggestion: Ashley, a popular girl at her school, depends on her social exclusivity to retain her identity with her peers. She values appearance, mannerisms, and good looks over character. But Stewart, who is considered a “nerd,” values inclusion. Ashley feels that her social standing is threatened because Stewart is not popular, and also because her father is gay.

• This article from the Atlantic, “‘Popular’ Kids Aren’t that Special,” explores the influence of peers and other factors on individual behavior.
• This 4-minute video from the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explores the impact of exclusion and bullying on individuals.

Personal Connection Prompt

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

Describe a time when you felt as though you weren’t included in a situation or place, or when you observed this situation with others. What factors influence inclusion in schools and other social settings? What is the emotional impact of exclusion? What can be done to ensure inclusion is felt by all people?

Teaching Suggestion: Jared bullies Stewart until he begins to date Ashley. When Jared later takes inappropriate pictures of Ashley, the social consequences for Ashley are devastating and compel change in her behavior; she develops a strategy to include those like Stewart who are bullied by their peers. With sensitivity to individual experiences, students may find it beneficial to discuss or write about times they have felt excluded from social situations and consider possible solutions to include others if they have the opportunity.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who feel uncomfortable sharing feelings of exclusion may prefer to express their thoughts through songs, music, or poetry. Students who require an additional challenge may find it beneficial to research and analyze the precariousness of social inclusion for teens and ways that young people can buffer against feeling excluded and excluding others. Students might share their findings with peers in the form of a digital poster.