Who said it?
"You have made an agreement with Mr. Marconi to work in his store after school. If your boss can't depend on you, you won't be able to keep a job" (34).
Grandma Harriet
Elwood is inspired by this person's beliefs and ideas. This person gave a speech called “Fun Town” about what it was like explaining segregation to a little girl.
Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What dream does Elwood have before he is sent to Nickel?
He dreamt of going to college.
Who wrote this novel?
Colson Whitehead
What real life institution inspired the depiction of the Nickel Academy?
The Dosier School for Boys in Florida
"Jim Crow ain't going to just slink off" (18).
Grandma Harriet
This character was involved in local movements to promote positive social change and encouraged Elwood to take college classes.
Mr. Hill
What mistake led Elwood to a wrongful conviction?
Hitchking in a stolen car
What group was responsible for the excavation of the unmarked graves? (In the novel, not in real life)
The University of South Florida
What novel did Whitehead write immediately before writing The Nickel Boys? (He won a Pulitzer Prize for both works)
The Underground Railroad
"Put it back."
Elwood
This character carries a sign at a protest that reads, "I AM A MAN" (36).
Elwood
Elwood is beaten up by a couple of boys from the neighborhood. Why?
He made them put back candy they were shoplifting.
What is the genre for The Nickel Boys?
Historical fiction
On what date was the real-life school, the Dozier School, first opened?
January 1, 1900.
"You know those white kids are wily" (30).
Mr. Hill
This character was in the army. He experienced discrimination as a black veteran upon returning home from serving. He moved to California.
Percy, Elwood's Father
Why does Elwood not ride his bike to college?
The chain broke when he was beaten up
Mr. Marconi got Elwood a gift. As Mr. Marconi said, it was "For your education" (40). What was it?
A blue fountain pen
What is the name of the group of real-life men who survived Dozier and would later go on to create a website and advocate for accountability?
The White House Boys
"You keep doing what you're supposed to, El" (23).
Mrs. Thomas (Elwood's mother's best friend, the lady who comes into the store to buy orange soda)
This character stole a car.
Rodney.
What was the name of the hotel that Elwood's grandmother worked at?
The Richmond Hotel
What is the name of the record Elwood listens to over and over, by Martin Luther King, Jr.?
MLK at Zion Hill
June 30, 2011