Fangirl Lesson Plan

Why does Cath react so harshly to Levi when she finds out he struggles as a reader? How does her growing understanding of his learning differences challenge her notions of intelligence?

As a good student and excellent writer, Cath seems to judge others’ intelligence by their academic and literary skills. She is so wrapped up in her love of the Simon Snow books, and her deep engagement in a fandom full of other dedicated readers, that she almost can’t believe someone wouldn’t be like her. Her first instinct is to be mean to Levi, assuming he is lazy instead of realizing he might face legitimate challenges with reading. Even when she starts to acknowledge her romantic...