Someone Like You

How does Halley’s perception of herself as an “outline” or being “unfinished” contribute to her decisions? How does this perception change throughout the text?

Describe Halley and Scarlett’s relationship and how it develops throughout the text. What message does the text contain about romantic versus platonic love in a teenager’s life?

Why might it be beneficial to include serious subjects such as teenage pregnancy or emotionally abusive relationships in young adult novels? Are there downsides to including such subject matter?

Consider the complex relationship between Halley and her mother. Is either character depicted as having the “right” perspective on Halley’s behavior?

What role does Elizabeth Gunderson play in the text? Although a minor character, why do you think the author includes so many scenes of interactions between Elizabeth and Halley?

Macon is not villainized at the end of the novel despite the breakup and his coercive, manipulative behavior. What does this suggest about adolescence and identity? Is it problematic to not portray his character as an antagonist?

What is the significance of Halley’s Comet throughout the text? How does Halley’s memory of the comet change as her identity develops?

How does the text’s discussion of teenage pregnancy fit into the societal attitudes about the topic at the time this story was written? How does the text address the topic of abortion, and how does this fit within the culture of the time period?