Who Said It?
"The devil does't want us to go to church. That's why we've got to catch minibuses."
Trevor's mom, Patricia.
What made Trevor “a crime” when he was born?
His parents were different races during apartheid.
Who was the strongest influence in Trevor’s life?
His mother, Patricia.
What system separated people by race in South Africa?
Apartheid.
What did Trevor accidentally do when trying to fit in with tougher kids?
Got involved in trouble/crime.
"No! They're going to take you!"
Trevor's Grandmother.
What languages could Trevor speak and use to help connect with many different groups?
He spoke multiple languages. This allowed him to connect with many different people in different groups.
What was Patricia known for doing that shocked people?
Defying rules/fighting apartheid expectations.
Under apartheid, how was Trevor (or those born to a white parent and a black parent) officially classified?
Colored.
Trevor and his friend, Teddy, were stealing things from a shop at the mall. During one of their thefts, a security guard saw them and started chasing them. Teddy was caught. What were they stealing and why didn't Trevor get caught?
They were stealing chocolate filled with liquor. Trevor was not caught because the security camera made him appear White and they didn't recognize him to be the other person with Teddy even thought they were best friends.
"I chose to have you because I wanted something to love and something that would love me unconditionally in return."
Trevor's mother, Patricia.
Why did Trevor sometimes pretend not to know his own mother in public?
To avoid trouble with apartheid police/laws.
Why did Patricia insist Trevor go to church so often?
Faith and religion were very important to her. God protected her from demons and the devil.
Why was language powerful in South Africa?
It could connect people across racial/cultural groups.
The story started with Trevor's mom doing something. What did she do and why?
She pushed him out of the minibus. The driver was going to kill them.
"It must have been strange for your family living with a dog that was deaf."
The veterinarian.
What was Trevor's dogs name and how did his dog die?
His dogs name was Fufi and died when a gate fell on her spine and was too severe to fix so she had to be put down.
Trevor was bullied by boys at the mulberry tree and they threw mulberries at him. Later, Trevor told his mom who brushed it off. He told his mom's partner. What was his name and what did he do? Why did Trevor do this.
His name was Abel. He drove Trevor to the tree where the boys still were. He beat up the "lead" bully and made him apologize. Trevor did this to use Abel to get revenge.
What happened if interracial relationships were discovered during apartheid?
It could lead to arrest/jail.
Why did Trevor think being mixed race sometimes gave him advantages socially?
He could move between different social groups. When he would speak their language, it helped him to blend in further.
"So why would you come all the way to Africa if you hate Black people? If you hate Black people so much, why did you move into their house?"
Trevor's father, Robert.
Why did Trevor enjoy being a “chameleon”?
He could fit into different groups by adapting his language and behavior.
How did Patricia teach Trevor independence?
By making him think for himself and solve problems on his own.
What does Trevor describe apartheid as and what is it?
Apartheid was genius at convincing people who were the overwhelming majority to turn on each other. (Answer must include genius to count.) Apartheid was the South African government's policy of racial segregation.
What did Trevor do that was found by his mother in the trashcan? Why did he do it?
He pooped on newspaper and threw it away in the trash. It was raining and he didn't want to go to the outhouse.