Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe

Cricket comes to understand herself better through spending time in the woods and solving the mystery of the Bird Room. In your own words, explain what Cricket learned in this story. Support your answer with examples from the story.

Cricket, Mama, and Bob all understand the importance of finding beauty in the world through careful observation. Spend some time in nature and see what you find beautiful, and then represent it in an artistic medium such as drawing or poetry.

At the end of the story, Cricket decides not to join her mother in Memphis. Do you think she made the right decision? Why or why not? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Compare and contrast Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe with another text with similar themes. How are they different? How are they similar? Some options include The Fabulous Zed Watson! by Basil and Kevin Sylvester or Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell.

Bob, the artist who created the Bird Room, is based on a real artist named Walter Inglis Anderson. Research Anderson’s life and work and write a detailed biography based on your findings.

After the events of the book, Cricket’s life is going to change. Write an epilogue for the book from Cricket’s point of view. Think about where she might be, what she might be doing, and how she might feel about her life. Try to imitate the narration style of the book in your writing.

People with mental illness experience symptoms in highly variable ways that can be deeply personal. Has mental illness ever affected your life? Write a personal essay describing your experiences.

Why do you think Miss Vidalia is initially so reluctant to talk about Bob or to believe that there is a hidden treasure? Consider the book’s themes and use examples from the text to support your answer.