Themes & Symbols
Who is the main character in A Good Kind of Trouble?
Shayla
What grade is Shayla in?
6th
What does the title "A Good Kind of Trouble" refer to?
Standing up for what's right even if it causes conflict
What causes tension between Shayla and her friends?
Julia hanging out with her other friends
What real-world movement is featured in the story?
Black Lives Matter
Shayla has two best friends. What are their names?
Julia and Isabella
What events sparks Shayla's deeper understanding of racial injustice?
The shooting of the unarmed Black man
What does the black armband symbolize in the book?
Uniting with Black Lives Matter and protesting injustice
How does Shayla feel when her friends start liking boys and acting differently?
Confused and left out
Why does Shayla decide to support BLM, even when it's unpopular at school?
She believes in fairness and justice
What is the name of Shayla's older sister who is politically active?
Hana
What symbol does Shayla wear in support of Black Lives Matter?
The black armband
What theme is represented when Shayla questions where she fits in (her race and social status)?
Identity
Why is Shayla unsure about sitting with the group of Black girls at lunch?
She’s not sure if she fits in with them
How does Principal Trask respond to student activism?
She discourages it and threaten punishment
Who does Shayla develop a crush on during the story?
Jace
What consequence does Shayla face for wearing the armband at school?
Being told to take it off/being taken off the track team/facing suspension
The tension between staying quiet and speaking up represents which theme? (hint: vocabulary word)
Courage/Activism/Abolitionist
What does Shayla begin to understand about herself as she wears the black armband?
She has a voice and can stand up for what’s right
What does Shayla learn about protest and making change?
Even small acts of resistance can matter
What is the nickname of the group that Shayla and her friends call themselves?
The United Nations/The U.N.
What happened in the story that made Shayla see Bernard differently?
Standing up for Alex/Protecting Alex from being bullied
How does Shayla represent courage?
Speaking up/wearing the black armband/Advocating for herself
What lesson does Shayla learn about being true to herself and her friendships?
It’s okay to change and grow, even if it means standing out or losing some friends
What changes do you see in Shayla at the end because of the BLM movement
Your opinion answer!