Characters
This 12-year-old boy is the main character who comes up with the idea to “pay it forward.”
Who is Trevor McKinney
Trevor’s project is based on this simple idea of doing good deeds.
What is “pay it forward”?
Trevor meets Jerry, a homeless man, in this type of location.
What is an alley (or on the street)?
The novel explores this theme, shown through Trevor’s efforts to help strangers.
What is kindness or altruism?
This social studies teacher gives Trevor the assignment that inspires his project.
Who is Mr. Simonet?
Instead of paying Trevor back for his kindness, Jerry is asked to do this.
What is to help three other people?
Mr. Simonet is different from other teachers because he has these visible scars.
What are burn scars?
Mr. Simonet’s scars represent this deeper theme about people’s personal struggles.
What is hidden pain or resilience?
She is Trevor’s hardworking, single mother.
Who is Arlene McKinney?
The goal of Trevor’s project is to create this kind of effect, where kindness keeps spreading.
What is a ripple effect?
Trevor’s mother struggles with this personal issue, which affects her relationship with Trevor.
What is alcoholism?
Trevor’s belief that one small action can change the world reflects this theme.
What is the power of one person or the impact of small actions?
This homeless man is one of the first people Trevor helps
Who is Jerry?
Trevor’s teacher assigned the project with this challenge: “Think of an idea to ___.”
What is “change the world”?
Trevor’s father is absent from his life because of this reason.
What is abuse (or he was abusive and left)?
Trevor’s project challenges people to overcome this common barrier to kindness.
What is selfishness or indifference?