If I Was Your Girl

How do Amanda’s peers describe her? How does she describe herself? When, if ever, do these views converge? And how?

By the end of the novel, Amanda’s dad calls her "brave," but she resists this idea. How does Amanda define bravery? And how does choice relate to this definition?

Amanda’s relationship with her dad is complicated. Considering how their relationship changes over the course of the novel, describe the significance of them playing catch towards the end of the novel. What does it symbolize?

Why do you think Amanda chooses to go back to the same school where she was humiliated? What does her choice reveal about her changed character?

Grant is an important character in Amanda’s life. How does Grant precipitate Amanda’s personal growth?

Amanda consistently struggles between living in the present and desiring to be honest about her past. Using textual evidence, describe two moments where Amanda feels like she’s bringing her past and present together. How do these moments make Amanda feel like she’s her full self?

In Chapter 28, Amanda recalls her mother’s words that men are frightening. How are the men in Amanda’s life frightening? Find two examples from the text and explore what Amanda’s reaction to these frightening men means for her character.

In what ways does Amanda struggle to understand the emotional psyche of the girls around her? Why do you think she sometimes empathizes with the way boys handle conflict?