Judy Moody Gets Famous!

In what ways does Judy’s process of trial and error in trying to become famous help her find Success Through Kindness? How does this view of success differ from the typical definition of what it means to be successful?

How does Judy judge Jessica before getting to know her? Why does Judy treat Jessica this way, and how does her decision to go to Jessica’s house demonstrate growth in her character?

What does it mean to be “moody,” and how does Judy exhibit this trait? How is Judy’s mood affected by the various disappointing experiences she has? When does Judy’s mood grow more positive, and does she seem interested in sustaining this positivity?

How does Megan McDonald use the motif of spelling to characterize Judy? Why might the author of a book written for a middle-grade audience incorporate spelling as part of the story?

What are the key moments in the story that define its plot and act as moments of learning and growth for Judy? What do each of these moments teach her? Consider each of her attempts at fame, her interactions at school, and her friendships.

How does Judy’s demonstration of Persistence and the Art of Standing Up Again act as her greatest strength? Why does Judy persist when many others would have given up, and what might motivate her to be so resilient, or is it inherent?

Why Is Judy so deeply affected by meeting Laura and seeing the state of the hospital playroom? How do her feelings about this issue, and her actions in changing it, show a different side of her? What does this shift suggest about the nature of success as it relates to self-understanding?

Why is becoming famous so important to Judy? What does she hope to gain from being recognized in the local newspaper, and does one-time fame seem to be enough for her?