Shiny Misfits

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By the end of Shiny Misfits, Bay Ann has already achieved one of her big life goals—she’s gone viral with 50 million views! But Bay Ann is not likely to rest on that accomplishment alone. Have students think about what else Bay Ann would like to do in her life and have them create a bucket list for her. 

First, talk with students about what a bucket list is—a list of things you want to do before you die. The term comes from “kick the bucket” the idiomatic expression meaning “to die.” 

Then, get students thinking about Bay Ann’s character and the kinds of interests, hopes, and dreams she has and what they imagine she imagines her future to be filled with. As they brainstorm ideas for items to include on her bucket list, have them consider these categories:

• Big life and career achievements
• Travel and event destinations
• Fun experiences
• Talent growth and development
• Creative and artistic ventures
• Unusual adventures
• Service to others/community
• Recognition

As they form their lists, students should note the reasons why an item would be on Bay Ann’s bucket list. They should also include which other characters Bay Ann will share her list with—or perhaps enlist in helping her reach her goals. Ask students to come up with at least 15 items. When students have completed their lists for Bay Ann, have them compare and discuss, while also sharing thoughts for a bucket list of their own.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. How does Bay Ann see herself? How do others see her? How does she want others to see her? Why do you think she wants to be famous? Would you like to be famous? Why or why not?
2. Why do you think the video of Alyee catching Bay Ann goes viral? Why does Alyee Maq refer to Bay Ann as a “special girl” and that he’s made a “sick girl’s dream come true?” Given that she wanted to go viral, why is Bay Ann upset about this clip? How would you feel if you were in Bay Ann’s place?
3. What is a trope? How does Bay Ann make jokes about her disability and common disability tropes? What disability stereotypes and tropes have you encountered in books, other media, and in life? What can you do to combat ableism and avoid ableist tropes?
4. Do you think Bay Ann is a good friend to Davey Matt and Michelle? How does she treat her friends? Would you want to be friends with Bay Ann? Why or why not?
5. What is Bay Ann’s relationship with her parents like? How are her interactions with her mother different from how she is with her father? What do you think Lucy the cat symbolizes?
6. Why is Bay Ann so determined to both get revenge on Alyee Maq and have her own posts go viral? What helped her to change and realize what was really important to her?

Related Resources

Shiny Misfit Teaching Notes from Scholastic Australia
Maysoon Zayid at New York Comic Con in 2023
How to Unlearn Ableism from NEA Today