Character Identification
What is the name of the girl Maverick is dating who is not the mother of Seven?
Who is, Lisa?
What is the King Lord activity that Maverick is engaging in to earn money at the beginning of the novel, and why does he have to stop?
What is, selling drugs; he has to stop to focus on Seven/avoid police/his mom finds out.
The novel is written in what Point of View?
What is, first person point of view.
Who is Red? Why does Maverick have an issue with him right now?
Who is, a guy who sells things out of his trunk in the parking lot. Mav has an issue with him because he sold him fake Jordans.
What is odd about P-Nut?
What is, he makes up words to make himself seem smarter
What is the name of the gang that Maverick is involved with?
What is, the King Lords?
What is Lisa's reaction when Maverick first tells her about Seven?
What is, she is upset, tells him her mom and brother were right about him all along and asks him to leave.
What does Maverick's mother, Faye, mean when she tells him, "You ain't got to be a reflection of your circumstances"?
What is, she means he doesn't have to be defined by his background or poverty.
Who dies at the football game Maverick attends?
Who is, Ant
As the novel opens, what game is Maverick playing with his friends Dre, Shawn, and King?
What is, basketball
What is the name of Maverick's son AND what is his name based on?
What is, Seven. He is named after what is thought to be the holy number and number of perfection.
What is the very first event that forces Maverick to start thinking seriously about getting a job?
What is, finding out he has a son (Seven) with Iesha
What is the symbolic significance of the "concrete" in the phrase "concrete rose" in the context of Garden Heights?
What is, the concrete symbolizes the harsh, unforgiving environment, poverty, and the obstacles of the neighborhood.
What does Maverick's name mean?
What is, independent thinker.
Who is Bus Stop Tony?
Who is, the guy who stopped by Dre's car at Mav's house one night to ask for money
Who is Mr. Wyatt and what is he to Maverick?
Who is, Mavericks neighbor and the grocery store owner who gives Mav his first honest job. He also is a father figure to Mav.
Describe the first time Maverick tries to watch Seven on his own. What challenges does he face?
What is, he struggles to change Seven's diaper; he's overwhelmed and frustrated.
What internal conflict is Maverick struggling with regarding his loyalty to the King Lords versus his new responsibility?
What is, loyalty/respect for the gang and the street life versus the need to protect his son and build a stable future.
What does Dre bring to Maverick's house just a short time before his murder?
What is, water guns and pizza
In what ways, according to Maverick, is Tupac associated with the number 7?
What is, Pac was shot 7 times, died 7 days after at 4:03 which also equals 7
Who is Faye, and what kind of relationship does she have with Maverick?
Who is his mother, and she is supportive of Mav, despite becoming a father, she continues to love him while also holding him accountable for his choices in life.
How do the two mothers (Maverick’s mother and and Iesha’s mother) see caring for the children differently?
What is, Mav's mother is supporting but strict, while Iesha's mother continues to belittle her and embarrass her in public.
Why is “getting out” (of the King Lords) often not worth it? Give an example.
What is, those trying to leave often get "jumped out" so bad they don't have any future, or die. For example, a member wanted out to play professional ball, but got jumped out so bad, he couldn't play ball anymore.
What is the relationship between Mav and Dre like?
What is, close, Mav sees Dre as an older brother and role model. Dre looks out for Mav and wants better for him that what is currently offered.
What is King's situation?
What is, both his parents are dead and he got expelled from school, so he is alone