70 pages • 2 hours read
Teresa TotenThe Unlikely Hero of Room 13B
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
During Reading
Reading Questions & Paired Texts
Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.
CHAPTERS 1-5
1. What is the purpose of the meetings in Room 13B?
2. Which alter ego does Chuck choose to be for the group project?
3. What is one way Adam copes with his OCD?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does Chuck propose the group create alter egos? How is it intended to help the support group?
2. What is Chuck’s reaction to Robyn’s addition to the Room 13B group, and how does he change his behavior because of her involvement?
3. Why is Adam concerned about what the group shares in therapy, and how does it relate to his own problems with his mother?
Paired Resource
“How Your Own ‘Alter Ego’ Can Activate Your Best Self”
- This 4-minute video describes the alter ego and how it has been used in history to redefine individuals.
- Shared themes include Real Versus Perceived Heroism and Comfort in Religion and a Higher Power.
- What are examples of celebrities or famous individuals who used an alter ego to overcome something difficult? How might an alter ego assist Adam in overcoming some of his struggles?
CHAPTERS 6-11
Reading Check
1. What is Sweetie and Adam’s favorite prime number?
2. What does Robyn identify as the triggering event for her compulsions?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What does Adam mean when he says, “It was the power of wanting the in to be different that held him captive on the out?” What factors contribute to his anxiety based on this statement?
2. Why is Adam reluctant to share details about his mother’s letters and his home in group therapy?
3. How does Sweetie’s condition create a bond between himself and Adam?
CHAPTERS 12-18
Reading Check
1. What new item does Robyn use to cope when she is triggered?
2. Where do the members of Adam’s Group agree to go after therapy?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. How does Adam feel when he is forced to perform his rituals in front of his friends?
2. How has Adam’s mother’s behavior changed, and how does this affect him?
3. What progress is Adam making toward his goals, and what concerns does he still have?
Paired Resource
Ways to Benefit from Community
- This article describes the benefits of community on health and well-being.
- Shared themes include Real Versus Perceived Heroism.
- Why is community important? What benefits can be derived from forming a close community? How does Adam benefit from his community?
CHAPTERS 19-24
Reading Check
1. Where do Adam and his group members go after their last session of the semester?
2. What does Robyn reveal she lied to Adam about?
3. What does Adam discover in the trash bags his mom throws out?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What are Adam’s beliefs about his relationship with Robyn, and how do his beliefs create conflicting emotions about becoming “normal”?
2. Compare Adam’s experiences at his father’s house to his experiences at his mother’s house. How do Adam’s emotions and rituals change at the two houses?
Paired Resource
“How Does the Environment Affect Your Mental Health?”
- This article explores the link between environmental factors and mental health.
- Shared themes include Facing Reality and One’s Fears.
- What are the various types of environmental factors? What is the psychological impact of an unkempt environment on brain function? What positive and negative environmental factors exist in Adam’s community? How might Adam take steps to cope with environmental factors beyond his control?
CHAPTERS 25-30
Reading Check
1. Where does Adam claim to have lost some of his Anafranil?
2. Who pushes Adam to tell the group about his mother after failing to divulge details to Chuck?
3. Which member in group therapy claims he will discover who is sending letters to Adam’s mom?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. How does Adam feel when Chuck follows through on Adam’s request for a meeting? Why does Adam change his mind about revealing the truth to Chuck?
2. Whom does Adam want to save, and how does this need to be a savior affect his behavior?
Paired Resource
- This article describes the attributes of a savior complex and how to stay out of the “savior trap.”
- Shared themes include Real Versus Perceived Heroism.
- What are common attributes of those who suffer from a savior complex? How does Adam sacrifice his well-being for the sake of others?
CHAPTERS 31-36
Reading Check
1. Where does Adam go when he realizes he will not be able to enter the biology lab?
2. What does Adam take to help him sleep after he runs out of medication?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What are Adam’s observations upon entering Mrs. Polanski’s home, and what advice does she offer him?
2. How does Robyn’s progress create additional pressure for Adam to overcome his compulsions?
CHAPTERS 37-40
Reading Check
1. Who helps Adam force open the door to his home?
2. Who does Robyn claim Adam will always be to her?
Short Answer
Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What does Adam tell Robyn about why they must break up, and how does he connect it to the advice from Mrs. Polanski?
2. What realization allows Adam to get his mother the help she needs, and what important decision does he make to help her?
Recommended Next Reads
We Were Here by Matt de la Peña
- This novel is about a 16-year-old boy who is sentenced to serve time in juvenile hall but escapes with two other residents to embark on a healing journey.
- Shared themes include Real Versus Perceived Heroism, Comfort in Religion and a Higher Power, and Facing Reality and One’s Fears.
- Shared topics include confronting hidden truths and developing community.
- We Were Here on SuperSummary
Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
- This novel is about a young adult who is sentenced to perform community service following his involvement in a drunk driving accident.
- Shared themes include Facing Reality and One’s Fears.
- Shared topics include overcoming obstacles, difficult family dynamics, and emotional growth.
- Notes from the Midnight Driver on SuperSummary
Reading Questions Answer Key
CHAPTERS 1-5
Reading Check
Short Answer
1. Chuck explains that group members may be able to overcome the intense emotions and self-doubt of OCD if they choose all-powerful alter egos. (Chapter 1)
2. Adam is immediately attracted to Robyn when she is introduced to the group. He sets goals to marry her, grow taller, and become well. (Chapters 1-5)
3. Adam is concerned because he feels that the group members have lied or shared a secret during group sessions. Adam’s secret revolves around his mother’s declining mental health. He refuses to share his concerns for her because he does not believe it is his business. (Chapter 4)
CHAPTERS 6-11
Reading Check
Short Answer
1. Adam’s aversion to what might be on the other side of entrances and doorways (the “in”) keeps him literally and figuratively “out” of the action. He is concerned for his mother’s declining mental health and the secret he keeps about the clutter in his home makes him reluctant to venture inside. (Chapter 6)
2. Adam is aware that keeping his mother’s secrets makes his condition worse, but he is afraid that sharing them would mean they will be separated and she will possibly be committed. (Chapter 8)
3. Sweetie often calls Adam for emotional support. Adam assists Sweetie by providing him with tools to cope with environmental stressors. This interaction creates a bond between the two brothers. (Chapters 7 and 11)
CHAPTERS 12-18
Reading Check
1. Her rosary (Chapter 12)
2. Holy Rosary Church (Chapter 13)
Short Answer
1. He feels embarrassed and ashamed when his friends must wait for him to perform his rituals. (Chapters 13 and 14)
2. Adam’s mother continues to receive letters and has begun to drink more frequently. His mother’s behavior heightens Adam’s anxiety, increasing his compulsions and causing Adam to feel physically ill. (Chapter 17)
3. Adam makes progress in both his relationship with Robyn and his hopes to be taller. His stepmother, for example, purchases him a new pair of pants because of his growth and Robyn gives Adam her phone number. Adam becomes concerned, however, when he experiences anxiety over his mother’s worsening condition and jealously compares his progress in therapy to Robyn’s. (Chapters 16-18)
CHAPTERS 19-24
Reading Check
Short Answer
1. Adam believes that he is inadequate in comparison to Robyn and if he can become “normal” Robyn will develop feelings for him. This motivates him to complete the list he has been instructed to create in therapy, which addresses the lies he is carrying for his mother and his need to confront his compulsions. (Chapter 19)
2. Adam describes life at his father’s house as being more peaceful than at his mother’s house. Adam, for example, must perform a ritual before entering his mother’s house while he does not have to perform those rituals at his father’s house. (Chapter 24)
CHAPTERS 25-30
Reading Check
Short Answer
1. When Adam calls Chuck, he is experiencing anxiety about living with his mother. The following day, however, Adam feels better and regrets requesting the meeting. Adam feels he has betrayed his mother by revealing her hoarding to Chuck. (Chapters 26 and 27)
2. Adam simultaneously feels responsible for saving his mother, Sweetie, and Robyn. For example, he feels compelled to rescue Robyn when she gives him advice. He also suffers the burdens of his mother’s secrets and feels he should be emotionally strong enough to handle her mental illness on his own. Finally, he often answers the call to calm Sweetie’s nerves. (Chapters 25 and 29)
CHAPTERS 31-36
Reading Check
1. The library (Chapter 31)
2. Advil PM (Chapter 33)
Short Answer
1. Mrs. Polanski’s home has the same layout as his, but as hers is clean and welcoming, it reminds Adam of the way his home once was. Mrs. Polanski advises Adam that it is sometimes necessary to hurt those we love. (Chapter 34)
2. Adam often compares his progress to Robyn’s because he feels responsible for protecting her and does not wish Robyn to surpass his progress. Adam believes he will be unable to help Robyn if he does not overcome his compulsions. (Chapter 33)
CHAPTERS 37-40
Reading Check
1. Thor (Chapter 38)
2. Batman (Chapter 40)
Short Answer
1. Adam breaks up with Robyn because he believes he is inhibiting her progress. At this point, she has become dependent on him. Adam supports his decision by explaining that Robyn should not be in Group because she has progressed to the point of graduating from the class, and it is revealed that the adults in Group also advised Robyn not to date Adam. Adam remembers his conversation with Mrs. Polanski, reflecting that it is necessary to know when to let go of those you love. (Chapter 37)
2. Adam realizes that being his mother’s hero and keeping her secrets is not allowing her to overcome her mental illness. Instead, Adam makes the difficult decision to call 911 despite his mother’s wishes so that she can get the help she needs. (Chapters 38 and 39)
