Embracing Zak Discussion Guide
Embracing Zak: Community Compassion is a Powerful Force
by Jodee Kulp
Embracing Zak explores neurodiversity and resilience through an engaging mystery set in a small Midwestern town. The novel shines a light on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), inclusion, and the importance of compassion in building strong communities.
Key Themes to Discuss:
Humanity & Empathy: Discuss how the novel fosters empathy and understanding for people whose struggles are often invisible.
Neurodiversity: What does Zak’s experience reveal about living with FASD or other forms of neurodiversity? How does this shape his journey and the community’s response?
Community & Belonging: Explore the role of community support. How does the interconnectedness of the town’s residents affect the outcome for Zak and others?
Acceptance & Inclusion: What does the story teach about embracing individual differences and diverse abilities within the community?
Strengths & Challenges: Consider both the strengths and challenges depicted in characters with neurodiversity. How are these balanced in Zak’s portrayal?
Personal Growth: How do the characters grow by embracing their unique assets and learning styles? How does this affect their contribution to society?
Discussion Questions
Zak’s Journey: What aspects of Zak’s character resonated with you? How did his struggles and triumphs shape your understanding of neurodiversity?
Society & Stigma: How does the novel challenge social stigmas around FASD and other neurological conditions? What lessons can be drawn for real-life situations?
Community Compassion: Discuss moments where compassion shifts the course of events. How does the story portray community members helping each other?
Hidden Issues: What “hidden issues” (mentioned by Kulp) did the book bring to light for you? How did your perspective change after reading?
Imagining Change: If you could advise one character, who would it be and what would you say to help them embrace compassion or inclusion?
Personal Reflection: Did the book inspire you to think differently about invisible challenges in your own community? Share a personal connection.
Broader Impact: What can your group, class, or community learn from the book that could inspire positive change locally?
Activities for High School Classroom Reading
Role Play: Pick a scene and role-play different characters. Discuss each character’s feelings and motivations for their actions.
Awareness Campaign: Brainstorm simple ways you can help raise awareness about FASD or neurodiversity (posters, school projects, social media).
Letter Writing: Write a letter to Zak or another character expressing how the book impacted you.
Jodee Kulp’s Embracing Zak is more than a novel—it’s an invitation to open our minds and hearts to the power of compassion and inclusion in every community.
by Jodee Kulp
Embracing Zak explores neurodiversity and resilience through an engaging mystery set in a small Midwestern town. The novel shines a light on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), inclusion, and the importance of compassion in building strong communities.
Key Themes to Discuss:
Humanity & Empathy: Discuss how the novel fosters empathy and understanding for people whose struggles are often invisible.
Neurodiversity: What does Zak’s experience reveal about living with FASD or other forms of neurodiversity? How does this shape his journey and the community’s response?
Community & Belonging: Explore the role of community support. How does the interconnectedness of the town’s residents affect the outcome for Zak and others?
Acceptance & Inclusion: What does the story teach about embracing individual differences and diverse abilities within the community?
Strengths & Challenges: Consider both the strengths and challenges depicted in characters with neurodiversity. How are these balanced in Zak’s portrayal?
Personal Growth: How do the characters grow by embracing their unique assets and learning styles? How does this affect their contribution to society?
Discussion Questions
Zak’s Journey: What aspects of Zak’s character resonated with you? How did his struggles and triumphs shape your understanding of neurodiversity?
Society & Stigma: How does the novel challenge social stigmas around FASD and other neurological conditions? What lessons can be drawn for real-life situations?
Community Compassion: Discuss moments where compassion shifts the course of events. How does the story portray community members helping each other?
Hidden Issues: What “hidden issues” (mentioned by Kulp) did the book bring to light for you? How did your perspective change after reading?
Imagining Change: If you could advise one character, who would it be and what would you say to help them embrace compassion or inclusion?
Personal Reflection: Did the book inspire you to think differently about invisible challenges in your own community? Share a personal connection.
Broader Impact: What can your group, class, or community learn from the book that could inspire positive change locally?
Activities for High School Classroom Reading
Role Play: Pick a scene and role-play different characters. Discuss each character’s feelings and motivations for their actions.
Awareness Campaign: Brainstorm simple ways you can help raise awareness about FASD or neurodiversity (posters, school projects, social media).
Letter Writing: Write a letter to Zak or another character expressing how the book impacted you.
Jodee Kulp’s Embracing Zak is more than a novel—it’s an invitation to open our minds and hearts to the power of compassion and inclusion in every community.
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