Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The author dedicates this novel to “all the gorditas, flaquitas, and in-between girls trying to make their space in the world. Don’t worry, you got this.” (5)

• In what ways is this novel a story of encouragement? (topic sentence)
• Select one character and identify 2-3 positive characteristics and/or behaviors of this person.
• How does the idea of encouragement link with the novel’s theme of Happiness Comes From Being Comfortable With Yourself?

2. Throughout the novel, Gabi reflects on the double standards related to sexual intercourse for men and women.

• Why does she find these standards to be hypocritical? (topic sentence)
• Using examples from the novel, identify 2-3 expectations regarding sex that her community has for her and for her brother.
• How do these double standards relate to the novel’s theme of People Experience Sex Differently?

3. In the backdrop of Gabi’s coming-of-age challenges, her father continues to struggle with his meth addiction throughout the novel.

• In which ways is Gabi’s father an example of the theme that Addiction Destroys Individuals and Families? (topic sentence)
• Find 2-3 examples in which their father’s addiction influences his relationship with his children.
• Consider Gabi’s feelings regarding her father. Does she love him despite these challenges?

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Why is Gabi’s mother so concerned about Gabi acting “desperate”? What behaviors are associated with being “desperate” as a woman? How does acting desperate link to the novel’s motif of Shame?

2. As the protagonist in a bildungsroman novel, Gabi shares intimate details of her life as she matures throughout the course of her senior year. Which milestones in Gabi’s life impact her most? How do these events contribute to her character growth?