Stuck in Neutral Discussion Questions

[Clovis]

1. Throughout the story, Shawn uses the word “retard” as a way to describe himself. Most people believe that word has a negative connotation behind it when referring to people with disabilities, but Shawn uses it in a more blunt way. Do you think this could be Shawn’s way of taking back the power behind this word?
2. Due to his condition, Shawn has no control over his physical body. He retains most information he receives, but he cannot express this to anyone. How do you think you would feel if you were in Shawn’s situation?
3. Shawn describes his father as a professional “victim, whiner, abandoning, deadbeat dad.” Would you agree with this?
4. Shawn refers to his special ed classroom as a “zoo.” Do you think Shawn, as well as the other students with disabilities, feel as though they are animals on display with how they are treated?
5. Does this story give you a different perspective about people with Cerebral Palsy (CP) or other disabilities similar to it?