CHARACTERS
This is the protagonist of the novel.
Deshawn
Which statement BEST explains how Deshawn’s perspective on gang life evolves throughout the novel?
A. He consistently fears gang life and avoids it completely
B. He begins indifferent but becomes increasingly drawn to it due to perceived benefits like respect and money
C. He immediately admires gang life and never questions it
D. He rejects gang life early and influences others to do the same
B. He begins indifferent but becomes increasingly drawn to it due to perceived benefits like respect and money
What is the tone of the novel?
A. Somber and realistic
B. Dark and somber
C. Light and humorous
D. Optimistic and hopeful
A. Somber and realistic
Why does the author include strong descriptions of Deshawn’s environment?
A. To entertain the reader with vivid imagery
B. To create a setting that is related to the plot
C. To emphasize how the environment shapes characters’ choices and conflicts
D. To slow down the pacing of the story so the reader can visualize what's happening.
C. To emphasize how the environment shapes characters’ choices and conflicts
What is the main setting of the novel?
A. A rural town
B. A suburban neighborhood
C. An urban city
D. A coastal village
C. An urban city
This character symbolizes influence in the novel.
Marcus
Which statement BEST explains how Deshawn’s environment influences his decision-making?
A. It offers equal opportunities that allow him to succeed without pressure
B. It isolates him from negative influences
C. It exposes him to limited options, making risky choices seem necessary for survival and success
D. It has little impact on his actions
C. It exposes him to limited options, making risky choices seem necessary for survival and success
What lesson does Deshawn learn?
A. Power and money is everything in life
B. Change is impossible due to certain environments
C. Gangs are necessary to survive in rough environments
D. Growth is possible despite adversity
D. Growth is possible despite adversity
How does the author’s tone MOST influence the reader’s understanding of Deshawn’s situation?
A. It helps the reader understand the seriousness of his struggles and the weight of his decisions
B. It encourages the reader to view Deshawn’s choices as important
C. It makes the story feel realistic
D. It creates an understanding about the plot
A. It helps the reader understand the seriousness of his struggles and the weight of his decisions
What event causes Deshawn to reconsider gang involvement?
A. A school project
B. A family argument
C. A violent confrontation
D. Moving to a new city
C. A violent confrontation ✅
These two characters offers Deshawn a different perspective on gang life.
Gramma/Officer Patterson
How do Deshawn’s changing relationships MOST reflect his internal conflict?
A. He becomes more competitive with his friends as he seeks power
B. He grows closer to friends who support his decisions
C. He replaces old friends with new ones without hesitation
D. He distances himself from certain friendships as he struggles between loyalty and making better choices
D. He distances himself from certain friendships as he struggles between loyalty and making better choices
What is the narrative perspective?
A. First-person
B. Second-person
C. Third-person limited
D. Third-person omniscient
A. First-person
What is the author’s PRIMARY purpose in telling Deshawn’s story?
A. To entertain readers with action and suspense
B. To show that gang life is dangerous and not rewarding
C. To focus on friendship and peer pressure
D. To highlight the impact of environment and choices on a young person’s future
D. To highlight the impact of environment and choices on a young person’s future
How does the setting MOST strongly contribute to the central conflict of the novel?
A. It creates a peaceful environment that reduces tension
B. It limits Deshawn’s exposure to outside influences
C. It pressures Deshawn to conform to behaviors that conflict with his values
D. It removes responsibility from Deshawn’s personal choices
C. It pressures Deshawn to conform to behaviors that conflict with his values
Who is Raydale Diggs?
Sechelle ?
and Mr. White
Lightbulb
Lollipop (Lightbulb's sister)
Fat, bald, Assistant Principal at Munson High
Which statement BEST describes Deshawn’s internal conflict throughout the novel?
A. He is torn between loyalty to his friends and the desire to make choices that lead to a better future
B. He is unsure whether he should leave his neighborhood or stay
C. He struggles to decide between two equally safe and positive choices
D. He is focused only on gaining power and respect
A. He is torn between loyalty to his friends and the desire to make choices that lead to a better future
What is the overall central conflict?
A. Man vs. Nature
B. Man vs. Society
C. Man vs. Man
D. Man vs. Self
B. Man vs. Society
If Deshawn describes his neighborhood as “a cage,” which type of figurative language is present and explain what it means.
Metaphor
Explanation:
The environment limits his freedom and opportunities
What is the MOST meaningful interpretation of the title If I Grow Up?
A. It reflects uncertainty about surviving long enough to reach adulthood
B. It refers to a single moment when Deshawn feels afraid
C. It describes the setting of the novel
D. It represents Deshawn’s desire to become wealthy
A. It reflects uncertainty about surviving long enough to reach adulthood
1. Identify the following characters:
a. Big D (1 role)
b. Laqueta ( 3 roles )
c. William (3 roles)
d. Jules ( 2 roles)
a. Big D - 2nd in Command
b. Laqueta - Darnell's mom, Marcus's sister, Jamar ex/girlfriend
c. William - Tanisha's brother, A Gentry Gangsta, Simon's Uncle/Deshawn brother-in-law
d. Jules - Bublz cousin and a Disciple
Which moment BEST demonstrates how peer pressure directly impacts Deshawn’s decision-making?
A. When Deshawn reflects on his future alone
B. When Deshawn feels encouraged to focus on school after talking to Mr. Brand and Mrs. Rodriguez
C. When Deshawn is influenced by Terrell to participate in risky behavior despite his doubts
D. When Deshawn ignores others’ opinions completely
C. When Deshawn is influenced by Terrell to participate in risky behavior despite his doubts
What role do secondary characters play?
A. Comic relief
B. Secondary situations throughout the novel
C. Obstacles only
D. Support the plot and protagonist
D. Support the plot and protagonist
If the author describes gang life as “fast, flashy, and foolish,” what type of figurative language is primarily present and what is its effect?
Alliteration
Explanation:
It emphasizes the excitement and risk of gang life while suggesting poor decision-making
How does the resolution of the novel DEVELOP the theme of personal growth?
A. It shows that change is unrealistic in difficult environments
B. It illustrates that, despite strong environmental pressures, individuals can make choices that lead to change
C. It emphasizes that environment determines outcomes
D. It suggests that avoiding conflict is the best solution
B. It illustrates that, despite strong environmental pressures, individuals can make choices that lead to change