Say What!
“It’s not an obstacle course. You can’t go around it — you have to go through it. Walk with your head up no matter what they throw at you.”
Elwood (p 174)
This person’s beliefs and ideas inspire Elwood. They gave a speech called “Fun Town” about their experience explaining segregation to their daughter.
Martin Luther King Jr.
The dishwashing competition for the encyclopedias.
(Chapter 1, pg. 16)
What did Harriet say happened to Elwood’s lawyer?
(He took their money and left town)
What year did the Dozier School/Florida School for Boys close?
2011
“The key to in here is the same as surviving out there — you got to see how people act, and then you got to figure out how to get around them like an obstacle course. If you want to walk out of here.”
Turner (p 82)
This character was involved in local movements to promote positive social change. They encouraged Elwood to take college classes.
Mr. Hill
Elwood is brought to the White House and tries to keep count of the lashes the other boys receive while he awaits his turn.
(Chapter 6, pg. 68)
Although the school wants the public to believe that they take good care of the boys, what does Turner say is the only treatment they are offered in the hospital by Dr. Cooke for their various ailments?
1 or 2 tablets of Aspirin
Who/what was responsible for the excavation of the unmarked graves?
The University of South Florida
“We don’t mess around with idiots here. If you mess up, we have a place for you, and you will not like it. I’ll see to it personally.”
Spencer (p 49)
This character moves back and forth between the white and black boys at Nickel Academy. It was his idea to poison Earl.
Jaimie
Spencer tells Griff to lose the boxing match on purpose.
Chapter 9 (pages 101-103)
Elwood starts his own business in New York as an adult. What kind of business does he run and what did he name it?
Ace Moving, A moving company
What has the state of Florida done or plan to do for the victims/families of victims in response to the abuse and neglect they experienced at the Dozier School?
Name 2 of the 4 actions that were taken.
Compensation for abuse
Compensation for funeral expenses
Provide high school diplomas
Offered an official apology
I thought it was the second! I thought it was the second!”
Griff (p 114)
This character was in the army. He experienced discrimination as a black veteran upon returning home from serving. He moved to California.
Percy, Elwood's Father
Turner delivers Elwood’s letter about the school’s abuse to one of the investigators by slipping it into a copy of the school paper.
(Chapter 14, pg. 183)
What character from a fairytale or fable does Turner repeatedly think about and compare himself to?
The Gingerbread Man
Colson Whitehead recognizes that Nickel, like Dozier, was just one school amidst many where similar atrocities have taken place. What is the name of an infamous school that was responsible for the deaths and cultural oppression of indigenous Canadian children?
Kamloops Indian Residential School