Greg & Amelia
Why does Greg tell Jin not to ask Amelia out again?
Racism or jealousy. Greg may view Asian-Americans as "less-than."
How does Timmy upset Suzy? (Without repeating his exact words)
He calls her a racist slur.
What word does Wei‑Chen use to describe his relationship with Jin during their confrontation?
“Brothers.”
Where does Jin go after his dream?
He goes to the bathroom/mirror after dreaming. He's about to change.
What recurring visual motif signals Jin’s confidence?
Lightning bolts in his hair.
What line from Greg suggests he feels protective of Amelia but possibly biased about Jin?
“She’s like a sister to me! … She has to start paying attention to who she hangs out with.” (179)
Describe Suzy’s posture and facial expression when she tells Jin how she feels.
Suzy appears sad. Her shoulders are slumped, she has tears in her eyes, and she looks vulnerable.
What phrase does Jin repeat to distance himself from Wei‑Chen?
“You and I are not alike. We’re nothing alike.” (191)
What line from the herbalist’s wife is recalled before Jin’s transformation?
“It’s easy to become anything you wish … so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul.”
Thought bubbles let readers see Jin's imagined responses and how he wishes he could have responded differently.
How does Greg and Jin's exchange change how we view Greg compared to earlier chapters?
Greg shows his true colors by revealing his prejudice against Jin.
What does Suzy mean when she says, “I kind of feel like that all the time”?
Suzy has experience bullying and racist micro-aggressions for a long time. The sadness builds up over time.
How is Jin’s language toward Wei‑Chen reflective of Greg’s earlier language to Jin?
Jin repeats words he heard Greg using to exclude him.
Describe what Jin sees in the mirror when he transforms. Is it literal or symbolic?
He sees a blonde‑haired white boy; symbolic of his desire to be accepted.
What is the effect of the laugh track?
Laugh track signals public ridicule -- everyone's laughing at you.
What motive might explain Greg’s behavior? Jealousy, social status, or prejudice? Why?
Each are possible motives.
Why does Jin attempt to kiss Suzy immediately after she confesses her feelings?
Jin impulsively tries to comfort Suzy.
Why does Jin direct Greg’s words at Wei‑Chen?
Jin is projecting and redirecting shame. His internalized racism and anger come out.
Why does Jin choose the name “Danny” after his transformation?
“Danny” is a name that sounds white/American.
Identify and explain one example of irony in involving Jin and his journey.
Jin adopts Greg’s hairstyle and language to fit in and he becomes what excluded him. Jin's attempt to gain acceptance causes him to hurt his friends.
Compare Greg’s "favor" to any earlier scene where one character excludes another.
Answers may vary!
How does Suzy’s punch reveal her character?
Suzy’s punch shows she cares about boundaries and refuses to be objectified.
How does Wei‑Chen’s punch serve as a narrative turning point? Does it change their friendship? How?
Wei‑Chen's punch ends their friendship temporarily and forces Jin to confront the harm he caused.
Compare Jin’s transformation into Danny with the Monkey King becoming the Great Sage.
Both seek to escape an identity they see as limiting. They're motivated by shame and desire for acceptance. Both transformations fail to solve core issues.
Give a theme statement about the book (so far).
Answers may vary.