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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSWilla Garrett is an eleven-year-old girl living in Manhattan who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a huge love of dogs, and a best friend named Ruby Kapoor who she only just met last year. Willa hates surprises and changes, so when her dad and Ruby's mom call them both to an ice cream shop one spring afternoon, she already has a bad feeling before they even sit down. What she hears next is the last thing she wanted: her dad and Ruby's mom have been secretly dating since the very day Willa and Ruby became best friends, and now they are in love. For Willa, this is not exciting news at all.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Not If I Can Help It
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Not If I Can Help It. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a girl's father reveal he is dating her best friend's mom?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
At I Scream, Willa's dad and Ruby's mom announce they are in love. For Willa, who hates change, this is the worst news ever, while Ruby squeals with excitement.
- First half
In what book do a dad and a girl play a card game called Exploding Kittens at a game store?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Willa's dad admits he played soccer and Exploding Kittens with Ruby over the weekend. Hearing this makes Willa so upset the apple in her mouth turns sour and scratchy.
- First half
In what book do kids attend a dog festival that sells kettle corn called "kibbles"?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Willa is amped all weekend for Puppapalooza, a dog festival where kettle corn is called kibbles and there is a puppy playpen. It is where her dad meets a rescue group that promises them a puppy in June.
- Second half
In what book does a mom tell her daughter she is 'all best parts'?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
During a Mother's Day snuggle, Mom reassures Willa that her sensory differences are not her fault and are part of what makes her wonderful.
- Second half
In what book does a future stepmom free a stuck brush using thick conditioner?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
Sandhya rushes over with drugstore conditioner and patiently works the brush loose without cutting. This is when Willa starts to warm up to her.
- Near the end
In what book does a girl feed sheep pellets and like how their tongues feel?
✓ Answer
Not If I Can Help It by Carolyn Mackler
On Field Day at the zoo, Willa and Avery are the only kids brave enough to hand-feed the sheep. Afterward Ms. Lacey makes them slather on Purell.
