Stereotypes In Define Normal

Don’t judge a book by it's cover

People always say, “Don't judge a book by it's cover.”. But do we really listen? Do we try and get to know people, or do we ignore what we know is right? In the novel, Define Normal, written by Julie Anne Peters, the stereotypes developed to teach the reader to not judge a book by it's cover. Quotes from the story show how people stereotype Jazz. For example, in the beginning of the story, Antonia thinks, “She was hopeless. A punker. A druggie. A gang hanger. Peer counseling? Jazz needed long-term professional psychotherapy.” (2). Before Antonia got to know Jazz, she judged her based on her looks. This shows how people can be quick to stereotype. Also, in the beginning of the story, Jazz states “They always judge you on the way you look, not who you are.” (31). This sentence makes the reader

For example, in the middle of the story, when Antonia is talking to Mrs. Bartoli about Jazz, she says, “I know, it’s hard to get past her looks, but deep down, she’s a really good person.”(169). This sentence shows that Antonia has gotten to know Jazz, and has realized that her outside might be different, but on the inside, she is a good person. Antonia did not judge a book by it's cover. Also, in the end of the book, Antonia thinks, “Expression meant everything to Jazz, and Jazz's music was the way she expressed the person she was inside, passionate, strong, joyful. Whenever I was with her, she made me feel that way. Which, I suddenly realized, was why I liked being around her" (Chapter 23). This sentence shows that Antonia has gotten to know Jazz, and has realized that her outside might be different, but on the inside, she is a good person. Antonia did not judge a book by it's cover. The direct quotes from the story show that by not judging a book by it's cover, you can make friends you never dreamed of