Weather and Nature
When ZJ's friends no longer wanted to come over to his house after New Years, what weather was occuring?
Drizzling rain, cold temperatures
Who is Bernadette?
Ollie's mom
Where do the characters in the story live?
New Jersey
What is the definition of "Daunt"?
To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive
What does Jacqueline Woodson typically write about?
Abuse, Family Relationships, Incarceration, Race, Sexuality, Friendship
When ZJ was finishing the puzzle with his friend, they were creating a yeti on top of the mountain. How does the symbolize his father?
ZJ is trying to piece together his memories of his father, while his father's memories are depleting. The yeti's head is the only piece of the puzzle put together, which symbolizes how ZJ is processing the situation.
How does ZJ feel when a bunch of people come over for his father's birthday?
Uneasy. He is observing more than talking to people. He is worried how people are perceiving his father.
Why do ZJ's grandmas come to visit after his dad's episode?
To give the Johnson family support.
What is the definition of "Chauvinist"?
A person with a prejudiced belief in his own superiority
What is symbolism?
The idea that things represent other things on a deeper level.
What does "Deep Water" mean in the story?
Big trouble
Who is Everett?
An older boy who wants to play pro football when he grows up.
Why is ZJ putting together these memories of his father?
What is the definition of "Dismantle"?
to destroy the integrity or functioning of
Why is it important for children to see themselves represented in literature?
In order to see what potential they have in life, and to see people who look like them be treated with respect, be loved, and can have any job they want.
When it was bright and sunny when ZJ's parents came home from the doctor, how does that show the audience how ZJ was feeling? Name the emotion.
Hopeful
How does ZJ's mom keep the family functioning during this difficult time?
She reassures ZJ and provides for him, while also providing for Zachariah.
Who is ZJ's most supportive friend?
Daniel’s super chill, says stuff like
You okay, my man? You need to talk?
And really means it. And really listens.
What is the definition of "Stereotype"?
a simplified, fixed, and often biased belief about a group of people
What is conflict in literature?
A literary device that occurs when a character faces an obstacle to their needs or wants
What does naming trees in their yard show the audience?
The family traditions that have stayed in the Johnson family.
How would you definite ZJ as a person?
ZJ is a kind, loving boy, who is hurting and needs support while dealing with a traumatic experience.
Why don't the doctors have a better understanding of why ZJ's dad is so sick?
They do not have enough research to understand CTE.
What is the definition of "Optimism"?
Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something
Explain Toxic Masculinity, and how it is dismantled in the book.
Toxic Masculinity is a set of harmful beliefs and behaviors that are often associated with traditional male roles