Characters
Who is the main character of the novel?
• Andy Jackson
Where does most of the story take place?
• Hazelwood High School
What tragic event starts the story?
• Car accident
• Rob dies
What is Andy’s main internal conflict?
• Guilt over Rob’s death
What is a main theme of the novel?
• Guilt
Who is Andy’s best friend who dies in the car accident?
• Rob Washington
What school activity is Andy involved in?
• Basketball
Why does Andy feel responsible for Rob’s death?
• He was driving
• Drinking alcohol
What conflict does Andy have with his parents?
• Lack of communication
• They don’t understand him
How is mental health shown in the story?
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Silence
Who is Andy’s basketball coach?
• Coach Ripley
How does the school setting affect Andy?
• Pressure to perform
• Expectations from others
How does Andy try to cope with his guilt?
• Hides feelings
• Jokes
• Avoids help
How do friends contribute to Andy’s conflict?
• Pressure to “move on”
• Don’t notice warning signs
How does communication affect the characters?
• Lack of talking causes harm
Who is Andy’s English teacher, and how does she help him?
• Ms. Blackwell
• Encourages writing
• Shows care
How does the community react to the accident?
• Not blaming
• Worried about the others
• No judgment
What warning signs show Andy is struggling?
• Withdrawal
• Mood changes
• Dark writing
What conflict exists between Andy and authority figures?
• Fear of judgment
• Doesn’t open up
What warning message does the author give readers?
• Take signs seriously
• Ask for help
How does Andy change over the novel?
• Becomes depressed
• Struggles with guilt
• Feels hopeless
How does the setting increase Andy’s stress?
• Constant reminders
• Lack of privacy
How does the story end?
• Andy dies by suicide
How do internal and external conflicts connect?
• Guilt leads to isolation
• Isolation worsens depression
What lesson should readers learn?
• Mental health matters
• Support saves lives