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Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

Summary

Halley and Scarlett have been friends for years. People know Scarlett as the popular, flamboyant one; Halley's just the quiet sidekick, but she doesn't mind. The two of them balance each other perfectly - until the beginning of their junior year. Then, Scarlett's boyfriend Michael is killed in a motorcycle accident; soon afterward, she learns that she is carrying his baby. For the first time, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break - because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever.

281 pages, 6th grade and up

Discussion questions

Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. Halley and Scarlett are best friends and yet there are many differences between them. How are they alike? How are they different?
  2. The book opens with a vivid scene in which Scarlett tells Halley that Michael is dead. How might it feel to learn someone you knew died while you were away from home?
  3. Would you be able to stand by your best friend if you found out she was pregnant? What challenges would she face? How would you support her?
  4. Halley's relationship with her mother is very strained, but they used to be so close. What has caused this rift? What does Halley do to turn her mother away? What does her mother do that upsets Halley? How can they repair their relationship?
  5. Halley's mom has longed for her to date Noah again. Should she? What does it feel like to have your parents encouraged you to date a particular person? Does it make you want to see them more or less?
  6. What about Macon is Halley attracted to?
  7. Halley wants to be a "new person" and to change herself from how she used to be. How is she doing this? Why might she want to change so badly?
  8. What is your feeling about Macon and Halley's relationship? Do they possibly have a future? Did you like that romantic element added to the novel? How can you contrast it to Scarlett's story?
  9. When Halley and her mom say goodbye to her grandmother in the hospital, Halley says that, "There are some things in this world you rely on, like a sure bet. And when they let you down, shifting from where you've carefully placed them, it shakes your faith, right where you stand." (pg 197). What does this mean? How can you apply it to other areas of life?
  10. Several key scenes occur at the prom. Identify the ones you think are most important and discuss what they mean.
  11. Do you have hope for Halley and Scarlett?

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