big ideas
This theme is shown when both boys begin to realize how their neighborhoods shape their futures.
What is environment shaping opportunity?
“You need to take this seriously. Your future depends on it.”
Who is Joy (the author’s mother)?
This family member keeps pushing the author toward academic success and discipline.
Who is his mother, Joy?
In Chapter 6, major events occur in these types of locations, symbolizing two diverging life paths
What are the military academy (author) and the streets/corner (other Wes)?
At first, the author tries to do this repeatedly to escape military school.
What is run away/attempt to leave?
In Chapter 6, both Wes Moores face consequences of earlier choices. This highlights what idea about decision-making?
What is choices have long-term consequences?
“I’m not trying to hear all that. I’ll do things my own way.”
Who is the other Wes Moore?
In Chapter 5, the other Wes’s brother sets an example—positive or negative?
What is a negative example (Tony’s choices influence Wes toward trouble)?
What aspect of the military school setting makes it especially difficult for the author to adjust at first?
The strict routines and loss of freedom.
Tony warns the other Wes about getting involved in the drug trade, but Wes doesn’t listen. What pushes Wes further into it anyway?
What is the need for money and the influence of neighborhood peers?
The author’s experiences at military school highlight this overall idea about structure and support.
What is structure can help redirect a person’s path?
“I didn’t want to disappoint the people who believed in me.”
Who is the author, Wes Moore?
What role does the absence of a strong father figure play in shaping the other Wes’s search for belonging and guidance?
It pushes him to look for guidance in peers or the streets.
How does the environment of the other Wes’s neighborhood influence the types of opportunities he sees as available to him?
It normalizes illegal activity and limits positive options.
What triggers the fight between the other Wes and his girlfriend’s cousin in Chapter 6?
A confrontation after Wes is accused of disrespecting or hurting his girlfriend.
Which big idea is shown through the influence of friends and peers on both Wes Moores’ choices?
What is peer pressure?
“You can’t keep going down this road and expect things to change.”
Who is Mary (the other Wes’s mother)?
What big idea about family influence is revealed when the author begins to appreciate the sacrifices his mother made for him?
Family sacrifice can shape motivation and gratitude.
What does the author notice about the physical layout and atmosphere of military school that signals its emphasis on discipline?
The orderly dorms, uniforms, and constant structure.
What major consequence does the other Wes face by the end of Chapter 6 as a result of his earlier actions?
He is arrested or questioned by police, signaling deeper trouble ahead.
How does the contrast between the author’s military school environment and the other Wes’s neighborhood reflect the idea of unequal opportunity?
What is opportunity is not equally distributed?
“I realized I couldn’t keep making excuses if I wanted something better.”
Who is the author, Wes Moore?
What does the contrast between the two mothers’ approaches reveal about how parental expectations shape long-term outcomes?
Strict expectations can redirect behavior, while inconsistent ones can leave room for risky choices.
How does the presence of drug activity in the other Wes’s neighborhood shape the day-to-day reality he faces?
It makes illegal income seem normal and accessible.
What does the other Wes start purchasing as a sign that he’s making more money through drug dealing?
Clothes, accessories, or items to show off his new income.