Conflict & Resolution
Why didn’t Patricia want Trevor to tell Abel about the bullies by the mulberry tree?
She knew that Abel would become violent with the bullies since he had been drinking.
Where does Trevor say he fits into the dating scene at school?
Trevor fits in with the cool guys with cool girlfriends because he’s funny but would never attempt to ask a girl out.
Who does Trevor compare himself to because of his language skills?
A Chameleon
Match the quote “I got my revenge, but too much” with the character who says it.
Trevor
How does Trevor’s relationship with Abel evolve due to conflict?
Their relationship is strained by Abel's violent behavior, and Trevor learns to be cautious around him, understanding the volatility Abel brings into their lives.
What was Trevor's "bullet proof" plan to win over Zaheera?
Trevor planned to become best friends with Zaheera and ask her to their senior prom years later.
Describe how Trevor uses humor to connect with others.
Trevor uses humor to fit in across different social groups, breaking down racial barriers and making friends in diverse settings, which helps him navigate his identity as a mixed-race person in South Africa.
Identify who says, “Don’t f*** with me. I will kill you” to a parent in the neighborhood.
Abel
Describe how Trevor learns to handle bullies on his own.
Trevor learns that relying on himself and using his wit and humor are often more effective ways to manage conflict than seeking help, especially in a situation where Abel’s involvement could escalate violence.
Describe what happened between Trevor and Babiki after their night at the dance.
Babiki gave Trevor the silent treatment after he got them lost and struggled with the language barrier, which made the night a disaster.
Explain how Trevor’s knowledge of languages helped him navigate apartheid.
Knowing multiple languages allowed Trevor to gain acceptance among different racial and ethnic groups, as he could communicate and build rapport with people who otherwise might have excluded him.
Who said, “Yeah, she was super sad, too, because she had a huge crush on you. She was always waiting for you to ask her out"?
: Explain a major conflict Trevor faces and how he resolves it.
Why did Trevor’s classmates encourage him to ask Maylene to be his valentine?
Trevor’s classmates encouraged him because it was a social experiment for them to see if he could cross racial lines, highlighting how racial socialization impacts young people’s perceptions of relationships.
How did Trevor's humor influence his social relationships in school?
His humor made him popular among various groups, and it allowed him to fit in with both “cool” kids and other students, helping him build connections without focusing on racial divides.
Which character made Trevor’s head explode by agreeing to give him her phone number and spending hours talking on the phone?
Zaheera
What lesson does Trevor learn about violence from the incident with Abel and the bullies?
Trevor learns that while he may have felt revenge was justified, seeing Abel’s extreme violence made him realize the consequences of uncontrolled anger, leading him to empathize with the boys he initially wanted revenge against.
After Zaheera moved away, what did Trevor learn about her, and what did he take away from this experience?
Trevor found out that Zaheera had a crush on him but was waiting for him to make a move. He learned the importance of being open about his feelings rather than assuming there will always be a second chance.
Despite his language skills, who did Trevor struggle to communicate with, and how did this lead to problems at the dance?
Trevor struggled to communicate with Babiki due to the language barrier. This misunderstanding contributed to the disastrous night at the dance, as she had no idea what was happening and felt uncomfortable.
Which character convinced people that Trevor was a famous American rapper in order to make money?
Tim