Characters
What are some descriptors you could use to describe LeAlan?
Answers may vary:
outgoing, loud, wise, a leader, etc.
How did Lloyd and LeAlan get involved in Ghetto Life 101 and Remorse? (the documentaries)
Multiple students were interviewed for the positions, but LeAlan stood out because of his talkative nature. He got to bring his friend Lloyd into the documentaries as well.
What is significant about the quote, "They named a basketball hoop in the Darrow Homes for him. What good is it? Who's playing on it?"
A basketball hoop was named after Eric Morse, but it's too dangerous for kids to play on the court. The issue wasn't solved.
What is a lens?
A more specific way of looking at a larger topic. For example, we could look at the issue of women's educational rights through the lenses of psychology, economics, etc.
Why are flamingos pink?
They eat krill (little crustaceans) which pigment their feathers. Their feathers are usually white.
Who is Chill and how did he change throughout the story?
Lloyd's father. He was generally hypocritical about everyone needing to turn their lives around but not doing so himself. He doesn't change, even years later.
What are the details of the Eric Morse story?
So many answers!
Pushed out a 14th floor window for not stealing candy, one person claims that he was dropped out of the window twice, everyone seems to have slightly different stories.
LeAlan's grandfather says "Every time I see you going higher, I go higher. It makes me grow a little bit every day." What does this mean?
This is a wholesome quote about how LeAlan's success means that Gus has been a successful grandfather. Adorable.
What does it mean if we are looking at an issue through a local lens in comparison to a national lens?
Local - how is the issue affecting the immediate community? (in Our America, this is the Wells)
National - how is the issue affecting the larger community? (in Our America, this is the U.S.)
What is the name of Ms. Collins's axolotl?
Aristotle
What are some key differences between Sabatini and Hixon's views on Tyrone and Johnny?
Sabatini is quite harsh and seems to not understand the boys on a personal level (says they should "rot in hell").
Hixon relates the boys to his sons and says he would help them if they ever needed it.
What do the officers repeatedly do with Tyrone when they catch him doing minor criminal activities?
They take him out for a meal and take him back to school only to find him on the streets again (he would go to school and go straight out of the back door).
How do you think the quote, "It was based on him not knowing and not being taught how to deal with his feelings" applies to Johnny?
He often had bursts of anger which could be a result of pent up emotions and not being taught how to thoughtfully deal with strong emotions.
What are human rights?
Moral principles or norms for certain standards of human behaviour and treatment. These are highly protected by international law, but cannot be fully enforced.
Where is the world's largest ball of twine?
Kansas (Why not ArKANSAS? America, explain!)
Who is Donell and what is his connection to Eric's story?
Donell is Eric's cousin who goes to school with Tyrone's brother, Roman. He gives a version of the Eric Morse story where Tyrone and Johnny had dropped him out the window twice.
What is Tyrone and Johnny's final court sentence?
They are charged with the murder of Eric Morse and have to serve 10 years in prison (until they are 21). The Illinois state law was changed in order to have children their age given a stronger sentencing.
What does LeAlan mean when he asks Lloyd "If I was hungry, would you feed me a fish? Or would you teach me how to fish so I wouldn't be hungry anymore?"
If people in the Wells are given the tools to succeed, they can become independent. Otherwise, they are forced to be dependent on other people outside of their community.
What does it mean if Ms. Collins says, "We need to look at literature both as a mirror and a window"?
We need to see literature both as something we can empathize with (understand with our own experiences) and as something we can sympathize with (feel emotions for, but not understand on a personal level).
What is the planet with the hottest surface temperature in the solar system?
Venus
Who is Ms. Tolson and what does she have to say about LeAlan and Lloyd?
Ms. Tolson is their old grade school teacher. She says that there is no doubt in her mind that they will be some of the fortunate individuals who leave the Wells and become successful.
When interviewed, what is Kay Hanlon's stance on Tyrone and Johnny's case? (the supervising prosecutor)
She believes that all children know right from wrong by Tyrone and Johnny's age and that she can't blame society or their environment for Eric's death.
What does LeAlan mean when he writes, "We live in two different Americas"?
He is discussing both living inside and outside of the ghetto as different versions of America and the difference he feels between being American and being African-American.
What are three of the five aspects of a good research question?
1. Debatable
2. Simple
3. Researchable
4. Alternative Perspectives
5. Judgement
Who is the famous singer of "Never Gonna Give You Up"?