Emma Higgins is one of the most memorable characters in Callum McBride, and some reviewers describe her as an autistic girl with remarkable technical talent. That makes her a rich subject for class discussion, but it also means teachers need to plan writing prompts carefully. The goal is to help students read with empathy while keeping every claim anchored in what the book actually shows.

Begin by setting norms for the conversation before any writing happens. Students should understand that they are analyzing a fictional character, not diagnosing people, and that respectful language matters in both discussion and essays. A short list of agreed expectations posted during the unit gives everyone a shared reference and makes it easier to redirect an unkind comment.

Prompts should invite analysis of behavior and relationships rather than speculation about labels. A question like "How does Callum's understanding of Emma change over the story?" focuses on development and evidence. A question that asks students to explain what a condition is "really like" invites guesses and stereotypes, and it is outside what a novel essay can responsibly assess.

Designing prompts that stay on the text

Good prompts ask students to observe how Emma communicates, what she contributes to the investigation, and how the friendship with Callum develops through early misunderstandings. These are questions with textual answers, which means students can quote the book and explain their reasoning. They also reflect the novel's own arc, in which the two characters learn to trust each other despite obvious differences.

• Trace one moment when Callum misreads Emma and one moment when he understands her better
• Explain how Emma's skills move the plot forward at a key point
• Compare how Callum and Emma each respond to danger or uncertainty
• Argue what the friendship teaches readers about patience and trust
• Describe how the author uses dialogue to reveal Emma's personality

Scoring essays on sensitive subjects

Grade these essays with the same criteria as any literary analysis, focusing on claim, evidence, and explanation. Add one row that addresses respectful, precise language, with a descriptor that is concrete, such as avoiding generalizations about groups of people and grounding observations in the text. This keeps the expectation visible without turning the grade into a judgment of a student's values.

When a student writes something insensitive, treat it as a teachable moment rather than a punishment. A private comment that explains why a phrase is inaccurate and suggests a better wording is usually more effective than a public correction. Students tend to revise thoughtfully when the feedback is calm and specific.

Connecting to student experience carefully

Some students may see themselves or family members in Emma, and others may be encountering these ideas for the first time. Offer a reflective option alongside the analytical essay so students can choose how personal they want to be. Make it clear that no one is required to share private experiences to earn full credit.

Pairing the novel with short nonfiction texts written by neurodivergent authors can also deepen understanding. Students can compare how a fictional portrayal and a firsthand account describe strengths and challenges, then write about what each perspective adds. That comparison builds both critical reading and awareness without asking the novel to carry more than it can.

Feedback that models empathy and precision

Teachers set the tone through their written comments. Phrases like "What evidence from Chapter 5 supports this?" show students how to hold an opinion responsibly. Over a unit, this kind of feedback helps writers learn that strong analysis and kind language belong together.

Because feedback tone is easy to lose when grading late at night, many teachers keep a bank of respectful, rubric-aligned phrases ready. Software that drafts comments in a consistent, supportive voice can help, as long as a teacher reviews each one before it reaches a student. The combination keeps feedback timely without sacrificing the care this topic deserves.