Vocabulary
Life in South Africa
Chapter Events
Themes
Trevor's Truths
*FINAL QUESTION*
100

What does it mean to be "born a crime"?

Being born mixed-race or colored

100

What was the name of the policy that legally separated races?

Apartheid

100

What country does the book take place in?

South Africa 

100

What is one major theme in the book?

Self-discovery or Self-identity 

Trevor struggles to find where he belongs because he’s mixed race in a country divided by skin color.

100

How does Trevor use humor to deal with serious topics like poverty or racism?

Humor / Jokes

100

In Chapter 18, when Trevor asks his mom why she won’t leave Abel, her response is:

 “Because if I leave, he will kill us.”

200

What does "illicit" mean?

 Illegal or not allowed

200

What language helped Trevor blend in with different groups? (Three)

English, Zulu, Xhosa,

200

What was Trevor not allowed to do in public with his father?

Be seen with him as father/son

200

Why is language important in the book?

It helped Trevor connect across racial groups

200

What message does Trevor send about education in his life story?

A good education equals money 

300

 What does "reconcile" mean in the book?

To restore a relationship, especially with Trevor and his father

300

Where did Trevor grow up? 

In Soweto

300

What was Trevor's FIRST job? 

Charging his peers to run to the front of the lunch line and buy food for them

300

What is one big lesson Trevor learns from his mom?

To be strong, trust God, and never give up.

300

What message does Trevor send about money in his life story?

Money = Choices

400

 What is "systemic racism"?

Racism built into laws and society

400

What were the consequences of being caught as a mixed-race child?

Possible imprisonment or separation from parents

400

Why didn't Trevor see a problem with chanting "Go Hitler"? 

The name had no meaning in Black South African cultures.

400

 How does Trevor show the theme of survival?

He finds smart ways to stay safe, communicate and make money. 

400

Why does Trevor say his mother is “the hero of his story”?

She protected him, taught him faith, took risks to give him a better life, and showed him strength despite hardship.

500

What does "apartheid" mean?

Legal separation of races in South Africa

500

How did apartheid laws impact Trevor’s education and social life?

He was placed in schools based on race, struggled to fit in either group "outsider"

500

What was the big change in Trevor’s relationship with his mom?

When she married Abel and their home became unsafe and unstable 

500

In Chapter 17, “clapping your wrists together” was a gesture that meant:

Getting arrested

500

How does Born a Crime challenge stereotypes about poverty and race in South Africa?

Trevor shows that even poor people can be happy, smart, and have strong values. He also proves that your race doesn’t decide how important you are or what kind of life you can have.