Characters
When Dylan hallucinates in the library toilet room, who does he see?
Albert Einstein
Where does Dylan go for Christmas?
Murdock, to see his grandfather.
Why does Dylan "run away" from home?
His mother gets a new boyfriend (Dan), and she asks her sons to lie and say that Micha, Dylan's younger brother, comes from the same father (a little Italian). Dylan laughs and says her plan will never stick as Micha is much darker than Italian. Joan then kicks him out.
How does the novel end?
What moments force Dylan to grow emotionally?
Being vulnerable and needing help.
Name 5 family members of Dylan's.
Edith (aunt), Joan (mother), Edward (Grandfather), Phil (father), Micha (brother), Jordan (brother)
Where are the 3 places that Dylan spends the most of his time?
The Library, the streets (panhandling), and the Donut Shop
What presents did Dylan get for his brothers?
Caramels and candy Jordan - CD player / Micha - Electronic car
What choice must Dylan make near the end?
Whether to continue "surviving" or accept help from Glen.
What external conflicts does Dylan face?
Poverty, hunger, and authority figures.
What was Dylan's role at home?
He was the director of a play called "Regular Family". He would get the food, the presents, clean the house, clean his brothers, keep them in line, make sure the bills were paid, etc. He was the man of the house.
What dangers does Dylan face while living on his own?
Hunger, cold, fear, and being caught by authorities.
When does Dylan go back home to see his brothers?
- Goes to his school to pick up his stuff and then goes to see his brothers at school (gives chocolate and candy);
- Goes home before Christmas to give his brothers presents (a CD player and an electronic car);
- Goes back home to confront his mother and to get some money. He crosses his brother on his way out;
- His brothers are always on his mind.
Is the ending hopeful or uncertain? Explain.
Hopeful, because Dylan is no longer completely alone. He starts trusting people again.
What is Dylan’s main internal conflict?
Wanting independence but needing care and love.
Name 18 characters.
Dylan, Micha, Jordan, Phil, Joan, Edward, Edith, Ainsley, Aaron, Jenna, Glen, Brendan, Amber, Lurch, Paul, Gladdy, Miriam, Dan, The Bandana Kids, Brad
Before calling Glen, Dylan almost goes to see this character when he is hurt and almost dying.
Brad
Why does Dylan avoid his fellow street members?
To avoid attachment or to avoid owing something to someone. (No one gives something for free.)
What message does the author give about human connection?
Connection is essential for emotional survival.
How does fear influence Dylan’s actions?
It causes him to hide and avoid trusting others.
Who are these characters:
Dylan, Gladdy, Miriam, Micha, Jordan, Paul, Phil, Joan, Edward, Edith, Ainsley, Aaron, Jenna, Glen, Brendan, Amber, and Lurch.
Dylan (Main character, street teen), Gladdy (The Swear Lady, old nurse who now pushes a grocery cart), Miriam (Edward's nurse), Micha (Dylan's youngest brother, darker child), Jordan (Dylan's young brother), Paul (the garbadge man), Phil (Dylan's dead beat dad), Joan (Dylan's mother), Edward (Dylan's grandfather, his safe haven), Edith (Joan's sister), Ainsley (social worker), Aaron (Twitch, drug addict who sells his body for food and comfort), Jenna (Works for Vulture), Glen (CEO of a tech compagny + has a youth center), Brendan (Vulture, thug), Amber (pregnant, smokes, helps/likes Dylan), and Lurch (one of Vultures thugs).
How do these characters help Dylan's life?
Jenna, Twitch, Amber, Ainsley, Glen, Dan, Brad
Answers will vary.
What does “relativity” mean in the context of the novel?
Experiences and emotions differ based on perspective.
What lesson can readers learn from Dylan’s story?
Everyone needs love and support, even if they pretend they don't.
How does the book explore trust? Explain with 3 situations (characters that he ends up trusting).
Dylan slowly learns that not everyone will abandon him.
Glen, Amber, & Gladdy (The Swear Lady)