Characters
What is Trevor's mother's name?
Patricia
In which city did Trevor grow up?
Johannesburg
Why does Trevor say that he was born a crime?
It was illegal for whites and blacks to be in a relationship and have children.
“Language, even more than color, defines who you are to people.”
Noah discusses how language was a tool for navigating different racial and cultural groups. Students can use examples of how his ability to speak multiple languages helped him fit into various communities and avoid danger.
Why did Trevor's mother throw him out of a minibus?
She got into an argument with the driver, and after he got more and more aggressive, she feared for their lives. She threw Trevor out of the minibus and then jumped out herself.
What is his father's name?
Robert
In which city did Trevor eventually find his father after so many years?
Cape Town
What did he and Teddy steal from the shop?
Alcohol filled chocolates
“My mother showed me what was possible.”
A major theme in the book is the influence of Trevor’s mother, Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah. Students can examine how her resilience, religious faith, and determination shaped Trevor’s life and success.
Why did Trevor's grandmother believe that there was a devil in the house?
Because he pooped in the house and put it in the trash can. His great-grandmother, who was blind, swore that no one was in the house when it happened.
What is his stepfather's name?
Abel
In which year was Apartheid officially abolished?
1992
What was Trevor's first major illegal business?
Making pirated CDs
“You do not own the thing that you love.”
This quote is linked to his mother’s approach to parenting and relationships. Students can explore how this idea influenced Noah’s understanding of love, freedom, and family dynamics.
How did Trevor get revenge at the mulberry tree, yet felt terrible about it afterwards?
He got bullied for being the mixed-race kid, so he went home and told Abel about it. Abel then went and beat the main culprit.
What's the name of Trevor's friend who was a hustler and always tried to make deals?
Tom
How many official languages are there in South Africa?
12
What other illegals acts did he and friends up to in the hood?
Reselling stolen good and making hustle deals
“People love to say, ‘Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll eat for a lifetime.’ What they don’t say is, ‘And it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.’
This is a strong critique of systemic inequality and the myth of self-sufficiency. Students can discuss how Noah’s life experiences—such as poverty and apartheid—support this idea, using specific examples from the book.
How did Trevor end up on stage pretending to be a famous American rapper?
His friend Tom took some money offering to bring a famous rapper to a party, so he convinced Trevor to go stage and pretend to be Spliff Star.
What's the name of Trevor's friend from Alex who became his business partner?
Bongani
What is the term given to white South Africans of Dutch origin?
Afrikaner
For what crime was Trevor sent to jail?
Car theft
“I wasn’t popular but I wasn’t unpopular either. I was just sort of there.”
This quote reflects Trevor’s social standing during his school years. Students can explore how his mixed-race identity and sense of humor helped him navigate different social groups without fully belonging to any of them.
What didn't Trevor realize about his date to the prom?
He was so focused on her beauty that he never realized she didn't speak English. So, in all that time, he never had a proper conversation with her.