Who Said It?
"Your father wasn't feeling well. He's gone"
Joy to Wes
What major life event happens to Wes Moore (the author) in Chapter 1?
His father dies
What does Joy (author Wes’s mom) do to try to protect her children from negative influences?
Moves them to a safer neighborhood / prioritizes education
What city do both Wes Moores grow up in?
Baltimore
What does the book suggest about how much our environment shapes who we become?
Environment plays a big role but doesn’t determine everything
“When we’re young, it sometimes seems as if the world doesn't exist outside our city, our block, our home.”
Author Wes
Why does the other Wes Moore get in trouble at school?
He hits someone for making fun of his mom
Who is Mary and what challenges does she face as a parent?
The other Wes Moore’s mother; she struggles with education and money after losing her Pell Grant
How does the neighborhood around the other Wes Moore begin to change?
Increased violence and drug activity
Why do you think the author included both his story and the other Wes Moore’s story in one book?
To compare paths and explore how choices + environment shape people
“I realized then how much one small decision could affect the rest of your life.”
Author Wes
What causes the author’s mother to move the family to the Bronx?
To be closer to family after her husband dies
Give one example of how nurture influences either Wes Moore’s early life.
Author Wes’s mom pushing for education; other Wes’s lack of structure at home
What is one major difference between the early home environments of the two Wes Moores?
Author’s home has more structure and support; the other Wes lacks that
What major theme is introduced in both Wes Moores’ stories early on?
What is the impact of choices and circumstances?
I realized then how serious my mother was about my education.
Wes Moore author
What is the name of the author’s older sister?
Nikki
What job did Joy (the author’s mother) take to support her family?
What is multiple jobs, including one at a medical office?
What social issues are highlighted in Wes Moore’s early neighborhood?
What are poverty, drugs, and violence?
How is fatherhood portrayed in Chapters 1–2?
What is as a powerful influence, whether present or absent?
“I wanted to get out, but I also wanted to belong.”
other wes
What happens when the author hits his sister?
What is Joy punishes him and makes it clear violence is unacceptable?
What influence did Wes’s older brother Tony have on him?
Who is a warning and role model—he told Wes not to follow his path, but Wes admired him?
Why is the setting important to understanding both Wes Moores?
What is it shows how environment shapes opportunity, choices, and identity?
What does the contrast between the two Wes Moores suggest about access to support systems?
What is that strong support systems (like family and mentors) can redirect a child’s path even in challenging environments?