Character & Plot
Who is the protagonist of Homeboyz and what personal loss sets his story in motion? (Answer in one sentence.)
Teddy; his sister Tina’s death catalyzes his actions.
Which two gangs control the neighborhood? (One short phrase.)
010’s and Merks
What common justification do community members use for violence in the novel (the phrase used in text)? (Short phrase.)
“RP, RT” / “wrong place, wrong time.”
Name one charge listed against Teddy in Chapter 5. (Short answer.)
assault, weapon possession, conspiracy.
On which pages does the drug store owner repeatedly come outside and address the gang members? (Short answer: page numbers.) (Hint: Ch 2)
The incident with the store owner in on page 19.
Describe Meeksha’s role in the gang and how her entrance is portrayed in the text. (2–3 sentences.)
Meeksha is presented as a gang member whose initiation is violent/proving herself; text shows that she is willing to do anything to get into the gang (the initiation processes)
What was Tina doing when she was shot? (Short answer with context.)
She was about to buy ice cream.
Besides grief for Tina, name one other cause of Teddy’s anger and give a textual example. (1–2 sentences.)
frustration with systemic injustice or family failure
How long must Teddy remain in the juvenile center before his next trial? (Short answer)
Teddy must remain the juvenile center for 2 weeks before his next trial.
How is Officer Diaz described in the chapters indicated (mention two character traits or behaviors)? (2–3 sentences.)
Officer Diaz: described as firm, procedural, strict, means business
Identify two supporting characters who influence Teddy’s choices in chapters 1–10 and explain briefly how each influences him. (2–3 sentences.)
Micah (mentee), Officer Diaz (authority figure); Micah provides a chance for mentorship, Diaz represents institutional oversight.
Who is accused of Tina’s shooting and what immediate explanation do people give for her death? (2 sentences.)
Per text, 010’s shot Tina; community says “RP, RT (wrong place, wrong time).”
How does the idea of “wrong place, wrong time” help characters explain what happened while also shifting blame away from themselves? Use examples from chapters 1–10. (2–3 sentences.)
The author uses this phrase to show how the community shifts blame and avoids responsibility, while also including scenes that contrast official explanations with the real pain people feel.
What is the G-PIP program and how many hours must Teddy participate? (1–2 sentences.)
G-PIP = Gang Prevention Intervention Program, he has to mentor an at-risk youth; Teddy must do 300 hours
How does Teddy break into the computer system? Summarize the method in one sentence.
Teddy creates a fake paper with a program on it that hacks the computer and tracks all the passwords and gives him unlimited access to the computer.
Explain Teddy’s relationship with his family in these chapters, citing at least one specific event that shows tension. (2–3 sentences.)
The family fights after Tina's death, the fight late at night, Teddy's father berating him, etc.
Describe the incident with Betty at the convenience store and its significance for the neighborhood dynamic. (2–3 sentences.)
Betty was assaulted/robbed at the convenience store; the event escalates tensions between gangs and community.
Explain how loyalty works in the gangs compared to Teddy’s family. Give one example from the text for each. (3–4 sentences.)
Loyalty inside gang: enforced through violence/expectations (Initiation processes, violent crimes); family loyalty shown through conflict but underlying care (Pops being hard on him)
List three charges from the book’s list of charges against Teddy (Chapter 5). (Bullet or short list.)
(1) Attempted murder (2) Assault with a deadly weapon (3) assault and battery
What trick did Teddy use when he got out of the car (pages 30–31)? Explain motive and immediate outcome. (2-3 sentences)
Teddy tricks the gang members by pretending to sell them drugs and then begins to take them down with different tactics and weapons. The store owner calls the cops.
Summarize Teddy’s emotional rollercoaster from chapter 1 through chapter 10. Include at least three turning points from the text.
Tina’s shooting, Teddy’s retaliatory act/trick, arrest and placement in juvenile center
Give a concise sequence: Tina’s death → Teddy’s immediate response → Teddy’s arrest (include the trick Teddy used when he got out of the car). (3–4 sentences, cite chapter or page references where possible.)
Model sequence: (1) Tina shot; (2) Teddy seeks revenge/acts impulsively (trick at car); (3) Teddy is arrested and charged.
Explain how things like poverty, police presence, and neighborhood power affect the characters’ choices. Use at least two examples from the text. (3–4 sentences.)
Policing responses, economic status and gang control influence retaliation and limited options for youth.
Explain what legal option Teddy (or others) chooses for his case (like a plea or a program) and why the judge allows G-PIP. (3–4 sentences.)
Judges allow G-PIP to provide rehabilitation over incarceration; rationale includes mentoring potential and community safety.
How are Teddy's actions affecting his relationship with his family members? Who is taking this the hardest?
Teddy's actions are causing his family members stress and disappointment, causing them to not speak to him or speak to him in an aggressive manner. His mother is taking this the hardest.