Chapter 1
Who is the narrator?
Starr Carter.
What is the setting of this chapter?
The neighborhood of Garden Heights or Kahlil's car pulled over on the street
What is a metaphor?
A comparison without using "like" or "as".
What is the theme of identity?
Identity is explored through Starr’s dual life between her neighborhood and school.
What is a symbol?
A living or non-living object that can be used to symbolize multiple things represented by the object
Describe the main event.
There is a shooting that happens at the party, which causes Starr and Kahlil to leave the party
Name two characters introduced.
One-Fifteen and Natasha
Define foreshadowing.
A statement that initially seems contradictory but actually presents a truth, often used to create situational irony.
How is racism portrayed?
Racism is shown through the treatment of black characters and the societal structures.
What does Starr’s hoodie represent?
Starr’s hoodie represents her connection to her community and her desire to blend in or hide.
What advice does Maverick give Starr?
He gives her advice about how to deal/talk to the police or using her voice in order to speak out about things
How does Starr react to the main event in this chapter?
She is traumatized and struggles with her feelings, trying to maintain her composure while dealing with grief and fear.
What is a simile? Give an example.
A direct comparison using "like" or "as". Example: "Life is like a box of chocolates."
How does the theme of courage develop?
Courage is developed as Starr gradually finds the bravery to speak out against injustice and stand up for Khalil.
How is the garden in Garden Heights symbolic?
The garden symbolizes growth, nurture, and the community's effort to cultivate beauty amid adversity.
Detail Starr's relationship with her parents.
Starr has a loving but complex relationship with her parents, who try to protect her from the harsh realities of their environment.
What is the cliffhanger at the end of the chapter?
Starr witnesses the cop shooting Kahlil and gets a gun aimed at her which leads her to put her hands up
Compare and contrast metaphors and similes.
Metaphors compares two unlike things by saying one is the other and similes compares two unlike things using "like" or "as.".
What does the theme of justice mean in the context of the story?
Justice is explored through Starr’s journey towards advocacy and her community’s response to injustice and police brutality.
Explain the significance of “Thug Life” as a symbol.
"Thug Life,” as explained by Tupac and echoed in the book, symbolizes the vicious cycle of societal neglect and violence that affects communities like Starr's.
How does Starr describe her school?
She describes it as a mostly white prep school where she feels she has to hide her true self.
What conflict arises?
The conflict that arises in this chapter is One-Fifteen shooting and killing Kahlil
Give an example of irony from the book.
A statement that initially seems contradictory but actually presents a truth, often used to create situational irony
Discuss the theme of family.
Family is depicted as a source of strength and conflict
What role does the basketball play symbolically?
The basketball represents opportunities, dreams, and the escape from the harsh realities of the neighborhood