Characters
Who is the narrator of the story?
Steven Alper
What accident sends Jeffrey to the emergency room?
He falls off a stool and has a severe nosebleed
One major theme focuses on Steven learning to care deeply for his brother.
Family / Responsibility
What activity represents Steven’s emotional outlet?
Drumming
What app do most people use today to stream music?
Spotify
Who is Steven’s younger brother?
Jeffrey
What serious illness is Jeffrey diagnosed with?
Leukemia
This theme shows how Steven grows emotionally throughout the story.
Coming of age / Maturity
What food symbolizes Steven’s guilt and regret early in the story?
Oatmeal / “Moatmeal”
Which famous rapper is from St. Petersburg, Florida?
Rod Wave
Which character is Steven’s closest friend at school, even when he doesn’t realize it?
Annette
Why does Steven initially feel relieved when he hears the diagnosis?
Because he realizes the accident wasn’t his fault
What theme is shown through Steven’s use of drumming to cope with stress?
Coping with hardship
What do Steven’s journal entries symbolize?
His private thoughts and emotional struggles
What genre blends rap, rhythm, and storytelling?
Hip-hop
Who is the girl Steven has a crush on for most of the book?
Renee Albert
Where does Jeffrey go for treatment?
Philadelphia
Which theme is revealed when Steven realizes Annette has always been there for him?
True friendship
What does music symbolize throughout the novel?
Healing and expression
Which K-pop group helped bring K-pop into the U.S. mainstream?
BTS
Which adult supports Steven’s drumming and helps him grow as a musician?
Mr. Watras
What event shows Steven’s growth at the end of the book?
His performance at the spring concert
The novel shows that painful experiences can lead to personal growth. What theme does this represent?
Growth through adversity
What does Steven’s improved drumming symbolize by the end of the book?
His growth and resilience
Jennie is a member of which globally popular K-pop group?
BLACKPINK