Vocabulary
What does it mean to be "born a crime"?
Being born mixed-race or colored
What was the name of the policy that legally separated races?
Apartheid
What country does the book take place in?
South Africa
What is one major theme in the book?
Self-discovery or Self-identity
Trevor struggles to find where he belongs because he’s mixed race in a country divided by skin color.
How does Trevor use humor to deal with serious topics like poverty or racism?
Humor / Jokes
In Chapter 18, when Trevor asks his mom why she won’t leave Abel, her response is:
“Because if I leave, he will kill us.”
What does "illicit" mean?
Illegal or not allowed
What language helped Trevor blend in with different groups? (Three)
English, Zulu, Xhosa,
What was Trevor not allowed to do in public with his father?
Be seen with him as father/son
Why is language important in the book?
It helped Trevor connect across racial groups
What message does Trevor send about education in his life story?
A good education equals money
What does "reconcile" mean in the book?
To restore a relationship, especially with Trevor and his father
Where did Trevor grow up?
In Soweto
What was Trevor's FIRST job?
Charging his peers to run to the front of the lunch line and buy food for them
What is one big lesson Trevor learns from his mom?
To be strong, trust God, and never give up.
What message does Trevor send about money in his life story?
Money = Choices
What is "systemic racism"?
Racism built into laws and society
What were the consequences of being caught as a mixed-race child?
Possible imprisonment or separation from parents
Why didn't Trevor see a problem with chanting "Go Hitler"?
The name had no meaning in Black South African cultures.
How does Trevor show the theme of survival?
He finds smart ways to stay safe, communicate and make money.
Why does Trevor say his mother is “the hero of his story”?
She protected him, taught him faith, took risks to give him a better life, and showed him strength despite hardship.
What does "apartheid" mean?
Legal separation of races in South Africa
How did apartheid laws impact Trevor’s education and social life?
He was placed in schools based on race, struggled to fit in either group "outsider"
What was the big change in Trevor’s relationship with his mom?
When she married Abel and their home became unsafe and unstable
In Chapter 17, “clapping your wrists together” was a gesture that meant:
Getting arrested
How does Born a Crime challenge stereotypes about poverty and race in South Africa?
Trevor shows that even poor people can be happy, smart, and have strong values. He also proves that your race doesn’t decide how important you are or what kind of life you can have.