Key Events
What news does Manny share with Justyce after they make up?
Manny tells Justyce that he finally stood up to Jared and punched him. Jared's father decides to press charges against Manny
Who is Quan Banks, and what perspective does he offer Justyce?
Quan is Manny's cousin. He tells Justyce that he can't trust white people and needs to seek protection with the Black Jihad.
What gift do Manny’s parents give Justyce?
A vintage watch.
How does the media portray Justyce’s character?
A dangerous thug that is up to no good.
Why is Justyce angry at Jared during Manny’s funeral?
Jared's dad was pressing charges against Manny which is why he was so upset the day he was shot.
What were Manny and Justyce originally planning to do before they decided to just drive around?
They were going to go hiking at Stone Mountain.
Which character tries to help Justyce understand how people make sense of tragic events? What is their role in his life?
Doc. His role is to be a mentor, educator, and positive role model for Justyce.
How does racism impact Manny and Justyce in these chapters? Provide at least two examples.
1. Manny and Justyce get shot
2. Justyce loses his best friend
3. Manny fights with Jared
4. Other responses may be accepted
Why might the media present a biased version of events?
They are trying to fit the story to their racist narrative. They may think it makes a ore compelling story.
What does Quan believe Justyce should do after Manny’s death?
Call Trey about joining the Black Jihads. Quan thinks Justyce should look out for himself and get protection.
What surprising news do Manny’s parents share with Justyce at dinner?
Manny's cousin, Quan, wants Justyce to visit him in Jail.
Which character becomes increasingly frustrated with racism and stops trying to “appease” others?
Manny.
What are three incidents from the past year that prove racism still exists in their lives?
1. Justyce getting arrested
2. Halloween Party
3. Class Discussions
4. Manny getting shot
5. Other police shootings referred to in novel
What does the media suggest happened during the shooting?
They suggest that Manny and/or Justyce had a gun.
How does Justyce struggle between different ways of responding to injustice?
He struggles between trying to be like Martin and reacting with the anger.
Why does Justyce feel nervous during the interaction with Officer Tison while Manny does not?
Justyce has experienced racism and police brutality and Manny has not.
Which character begins to feel guilty about how the media portrays Justyce?
Jared.
Why does Justyce choose to tell Manny to turn the music down even though he is frustrated?
He is worried about what the white man might do.
What specific actions does the media take to damage Justyce’s reputation?
They cropped the picture, so it did not show Blake's KKK costume.
What role does the media play in shaping the narrative around Manny’s death?
The media has a role in blaming the victims, suggesting that they are partially responsible for being shot.
How long is Manny’s funeral delayed, and why is it delayed?
It was delayed by 27 days so Justyce could recover and attend.
What role does SJ play in Justyce’s life during these chapters?
SJ and Justyce reconcile after she apologizes for panicking regarding their relationship. SJ provides emotional support to Justyce when he is under media scrutiny.
How does Manny’s death highlight issues of justice and injustice?
It shows that racism still affects a person even if they are blind to it. Other responses may be accepted.
What does this situation reveal about the media’s influence on public opinion, especially about race?
The media has a huge impact on public perception because people trust the news. They may also be looking for their own beliefs to be confirmed.
What internal conflict does Justyce face when he learns about Officer Tison’s connection to Officer Castillo?
He realizes that Officer Tison was there when Quan shot and killed his partner, Officer Castillo. Justyce wonders whether Tison shot Manny and himself because he had seen somebody who looked like them kill his partner.