Characters
Who is the main character in the novel?
Junior
There are many important themes in this novel. Choose one (1) theme and describe an example of that theme from the novel.
Death, Alcoholism, Hope, Violence, Duality, etc.
What is the name of the town where the main character and his family lived in the novel?
Wellpinit
Is it true that all Native Americans speak the same language and have the same culture?
No, this is not true. Native Americans represent many different cultural groups and speak thousands of different languages.
True or False: There are many Native American names of places throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
True - More than 30
Who is the main character's best friend in the novel?
Rowdy
Death is an important theme in this novel. How did death affect the main character? Name two people that he was close to that died during this story.
Grandma, Eugene, & Mary
Why did the main character get suspended from his high school on the reservation?
He got suspended because he threw a book to the front of the classroom and hit his teacher in the face, breaking his nose.
What is a powwow?
A powwow is a Native American cultural celebration, like a large party, where people dance, sing, play music, and share food with one another.
What was the name of Junior's geometry teacher at the high school on his reservation?
Mr. P.
What was the name of the main character's older sister and how did she die in the novel?
Mary - she died because of a fire in her trailer home that she did not realize was happening because she was passed out drunk.
How is the theme of duality shown throughout this novel? What is the main example?
The main example of duality is through the character of Junior and how he feels when on the reservation versus how he feels when he is attending his new high school, Reardan. He feels like two different people in these places.
Why did the main character get bullied so much throughout his life in this novel? (There are several reasons.)
He got bullied because:
- he had challenging disabilities
- he was Native American
- he was poor
- he was intelligent
According to Junior, what are the two main problems effecting Native American communities in the United States? (Hint: They are also two (2) of our themes.)
Poverty & Alcoholism
What did Junior's older sister dream about becoming after graduating from high school? What was her dream job?
Romance novel writer
The main character made two very good friends at his new high school. What were their names and how did one of them help him during the novel?
Gordy - Helped him to be a better student and by talking to him about his problems.
Roger - Helped by giving him a ride home from school and let him borrow money to pay for his meal after the school dance.
Describe one (1) example of how alcoholism affected one of the characters in the novel.
Multiple examples:
Rowdy - domestic violence
Junior - family members dying & drunken father
Eugene was a great basketball player when he was young and in high school. Why didn't he go to college to play basketball after high school?
Eugene did not know how to read.
"Can't read, can't ball."
Identify two (2) states within the United States that have Native American names.
North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Missouri, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, etc.
What was one of Rowdy's favorite activities to do with Junior when they hung out together?
Reading old comic books.
The main character fell in love with someone at his new high school. What was her name and why do you think he liked her so much?
Penelope - He liked her because she also had problems with her family and because she had big dreams to have a better life and leave her small town to go to college in the future.
Hope is one of the most important themes in the novel. Describe two examples of hope from the novel with details.
Multiple examples:
Junior moving to a new school, trying out for the basketball team, etc.
After winning the basketball game against his former high school Junior felt terrible about this victory. Why did he feel this way? Please explain.
He felt this way because he realized how important this game was to his old friends and just how little they had when compared to his new friends and classmates at Reardan High School.
Which American president is famous for his racist hatred and terrible treatment of Native Americans, including killing hundreds of them when he was a U.S. General? (Hint: $20 bill)
Andrew Jackson
What is Junior's favorite music band?
The White Stripes