Vocabulary
This word means 'based on random choice or personal whim, not reason.'
Arbitrary — used in Ch. 15 when Trevor discusses how crime felt arbitrary given post-apartheid conditions.
"There was real _____ between Trevor and the boys who mocked him for being mixed-race — it sometimes turned into open hostility."
Animosity
According to Chapter 6, what is the 'fatal flaw' of the apartheid system?
It didn't make sense to fit real people into racial categories.
Why did Trevor's family originally think Fufi was stupid?
She never responded to her name or commands.
How did American rap culture — like Boyz n the Hood — change how black South Africans felt about living in the township?
It made the hood cool — living in the township became something to wear as a badge of honor rather than feel ashamed of.
This word means 'exclusion from a society or group.'
Ostracism — being a 'cheese boy' risked ostracism from peers in Alexandra.
"Trevor had a natural _____ for music from a young age, feeling deeply connected to its rhythms and beats."
Affinity
Trevor saw hypocrisy at school involving what religious act?
He was told he could NOT take communion because he wasn't Catholic — yet Catholic principles say Jesus should be able to save anyone, not just those following rigid church rules.
What was Fufi's big secret that explained all of her behavior?
Fufi was deaf her entire life — she simply could not hear Trevor or anyone else calling her.
What is a 'cheese boy,' and why was it actually an insult in Alexandra?
A cheese boy came from a wealthier family — but in Alexandra, being 'hood' was cool, so having money made you seem lame and out of touch.
This word means 'extremely thorough and detailed in work or effort.'
Meticulous — Trevor was meticulous in planning his CD hustle, tracking every rand carefully.
"The topic of crime was _____ in Alexandra — everyone had a different opinion on what was right or wrong depending on their situation."
Contentious
Patricia used this creative form of communication as both a discipline tactic AND an educational tool with Trevor.
Letter-writing — it taught Trevor to resolve conflicts through thoughtful deliberation rather than heated argument.
What important life lesson did Trevor learn when Fufi ran away to visit another boy?
'You do not own the thing you love.' Love does not equal possession — Fufi chose another boy, and Trevor had no control over that.
When a police officer destroyed Trevor's CD-burning business, what did it reveal about South Africa after apartheid?
It revealed that the police still had all of the power and used it to oppress black South Africans.
This word means 'to deny any responsibility or support for something.'
Disavow — after the police destroyed his business, Trevor had to distance himself from the operation.
"Patricia dreamed that Trevor would one day _____ at a university, even though post-apartheid made affording college nearly impossible."
Matriculate
Why does Trevor's mother discipline him differently than his school does?
His mother disciplines him out of love to build his independence; his school disciplines him to enforce order above all else.
What did the other boy name Fufi?
Spotty--Trevor thought this was ridiculous because Fufi didn't even have spots.
What item did Trevor buy that made him realize his crimes hurt real people? What lesson did he take from it?
He bought a stolen camera with photos of a smiling white family on vacation inside — he felt he had stolen their memories, and realized there are productive and unproductive ways to make money.
This word describes someone who is 'very eager or enthusiastic, especially for food or knowledge.'
Voracious — Trevor was a voracious reader as a child, devouring every book he could find.
"The dancer moved in a _____ way across the stage — her body bending and twisting with effortless grace."
Lithe
Trevor was full of energy, ate voraciously, and misbehaved when he wasn't engaged — but he had a particular obsession with two dangerous things. Name them.
Knives and fire — Trevor was fascinated by both from a young age, which reflected his restless, curious, and chaotic personality.
What sort of tone did Trevor use when talking about Fufi?
humor and/or sadness
What was the first sort of criminal activity that Trevor became involved in?
Selling pirated CDs