Upstaged Reading Guide
Upstaged Reading Guide
Upstaged Reading Guide
Cassie asks, “What happened to this being the year you were
going to stop being Shy Shira?” Have you ever made a goal to
change a quality or characteristic about yourself?
Is that what she really wants? What do you think she’s really hoping for?
What does Shira mean that seventh grade is “when people notice you. For all
the wrong things?” Has there ever been a time you felt noticed for something
you didn’t want?
Chapter 3: Radar
On page 18, Shira mentions codes. Are there literally “codes” in school? What
are the “codes” that Shira is talking about? Are there any “codes” that you
think exist at your school?
In Chapter 3, we meet Paul. What are your first impressions of Paul? What sets
him apart from other characters we’ve met so far?
Chapter 5: Cooties
In Chapter 5, we meet Shira’s sister, Sophie. What is your first impression of
Sophie? How are she and Shira similar, and how are they different?
Chapter 8: Ta-Da!
On page 52 when Shira thinks maybe she’s not going to play Jacey Squires,
she feels “a jolt of worry.” What’s changed for her?
In this chapter, we learn a little bit about the plot and setting of The Music
Man. What similarities can you think of between The Music Man and the way
Shira describes middle school?
Chapter 9: Starfish
Do you think there’s such thing as a “motherish” thing to say? Can you give
some examples?
What do you think of Frankie’s comment on page 80: “Isn’t that stalking…It
sounds like stalking”?
What does Shira mean when she says “I’m not really me, but I’m not
pretending, either. It’s some free space in between.” Have you ever done
something that made you feel that way, too?
Perfect pitch is a good thing, right? So, why is Shira self-conscious about it?
Can you be as self-conscious about a good characteristic as you can about a
bad one?
What did Monica reveal at the end of the chapter? What do you think her
motivation was?
Paul says, “But it’s different on stage…it’s better. I’m better.” Is there a place
where you feel that way?
***INTERMISSION***
Have you heard any songs from THE MUSIC MAN?
Listen and see what you think!
What are your favorites?
Chapter 21: Turtle Brave
In this chapter, we learn about the special meaning the rock has for Shira, and
for Paul. Is there a place or spot that has a special meaning for you? What is it,
and why?
What does Shira mean by, “I’ve been looking right through Paul all this time. I
haven’t seen him at all.”?
What do you notice about Monica in this chapter? Do you have any new
perceptions about Monica?
How would you describe Mr. Donnelly based on what we’ve seen?