Friendship & Social Dynamics
What happens when Drew and Jordan stay inside while the class goes outside in the cold?
They finally get to talk and connect about similar experiences being one of the few people of color at RAD.
What does Mrs. Rawle insist Drew apologize to Jordan for?
Calling him 'dawg.'
What theme does each book meant to connect to readers of color have at the school library?
Who worries that Jordan will judge him when coming over to his house?
Liam
Why is it unfair to assume all people in a group think or act the same way?
Because everyone is an individual with their own thoughts and feelings.
How does Jordan attempt to unite his two friends into one large group?
Plays a video game with them both.
What does Drew insist Mrs. Rawle apologize to him for?
Always calling him by Deandre instead of his name, Drew.
Jordan’s dad, Chuck, begins to worry about Jordan hanging out in different cultural environments. How does he help Jordan repair his soul?
Celebrates Kwanzaa (also, listens to James Brown, & watches Twelve Year’s a Slave)
Who does Drew continually get into passive-aggressive battles with?
Andy
How might stereotypes affect how someone feels about themselves?
They might feel sad, confused, or like they don’t belong.
Why is Drew upset at his Secret Santa before realizing who sent the gifts?
He thinks the gifts are stereotypical of Black students, not given to him because they are things that he personally likes.
What class would you expect Jordan to be excited about, but he is not?
Art Class
Why does Alexandra wear a puppet on her hand?
She has burns from when she saved her little brother from getting burned.
A character comes over to Jordan’s house and they discuss the differences in their experiences at school. Who is it?
Kirk
This term describes when someone changes their behavior or hides parts of themselves because of stereotypes or social pressure based on the environment they are in.
Code-switching
What new nickname do the neighborhood kids give to Jordan while playing basketball?
Private School
What did Mrs. Rawle tell Jordan’s parents at parent/teacher night about how Jordan's doing at school?
That he and Drew do not associate with other kids at school.
What information did Jordan keep from his parents on Christmas morning?
Liam already had gotten him the new, premium version of the same NBA2K game.
Who tells Jordan that they can share the story with "one other person?"
Alexandra
Stereotypes often rely on this kind of thinking, which groups people based on limited characteristics.
Generalization
When returning to school from break, how do Drew and Jordan connect, yet again? What do they have in common?
They are seemingly two of the few kids who did not go on a lavish vacation.
What do Jordan’s parents argue about in front of Jordan after parent/teacher night?
Whether Jordan should have to “play the game” in order to find success in life.
Jordan makes a sketch that implies that literature geared toward kids of color are different than mainstream books. What is the difference?
Mainstream books focus on triumph while African American plots focus on struggle and grit.
Who tries to give the book titled, "The Mean Streets of South Uptown" to Drew?
Maury
Why is it important to learn about different cultures and backgrounds?
It helps you understand people better and reduces misunderstandings. It reduces the chances of stereotyping.