Description:

Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner is a novel in verse about Bea Coughlin, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy who survives a school shooting. As Bea struggles with grief, trauma, and the feeling that her wheelchair prevented her from protecting herself during the attack, she begins a journey toward healing through the support of her family, her community, and therapeutic horseback riding. Over time, she finds the courage to use her voice to advocate for change and remind others to listen to the experiences of people with disabilities.  

Discussion Questions:

• Look up the definitions of the qualities Cedar Crest values: leadership, stewardship, friendship. (p. 1) What do these qualities have in common? How are they different? How does Bea demonstrate that she has these qualities?
• After falling off her horse, Bea realizes, “I need to go back / before the memory of the fall / grows bigger / than the fall itself.” (p. 208) How could this quote apply to the way Bea feels about returning to school? Why do you think it is important to face your fears?
• At the beginning of the section entitled “Hide,” Bea writes, “These are my people, sir, / and it’s important that you can picture them.” (p. 57) Why is it important for Bea to tell the reader specific details about the people who will be and are impacted by the shooting at her school? How does being able to picture them impact the way you feel about what happens?
• Pages 70–73 describe Bea’s experience during the shooting and evacuation at her school. Why do you think it is important for Bea to describe her experience to the reader? What details about the day does Bea emphasize? How did you feel when you were reading this section?

(Questions from Simon & Schuster)