True or False
The story is written from Dylan's first-person perspective and in the present tense.
True.
What does the family portrait represent?
Happiness from the past.
(The family he once had and the joy he once felt.)
Brad
Why does Dylan avoid his fellow street members?
To avoid attachment or to avoid owing something to someone. (No one gives something for free.)
What strategies might someone use to survive without money, food, or shelter?
Panhandling, busking, finding food in shelters/garbage bins, couch surfing, forming protective groups, accessing drop-in centres.
Dylan's relationship with his grandfather offers smooth refuge and immediate comfort.
False. His grandfather is in a coma, and Dylan is greeted by his physically and emotionally abusive father.
What does Dylan's backpack symbolize?
His whole life.
Name 2 characters who are sick and close to death.
Twitch and Edward (grandfather)
What presents did Dylan get for his brothers?
Caramels and candy
Jordan - CD player / Micha - Electronic car
What was Dylan's role at home?
He was the director of a play called "Regular Family". He would get the food, the presents, clean the house, clean his brothers, keep them in line, make sure the bills were paid, etc. He was the man of the house.
Dylan willingly chooses to live on the streets and avoid any help from others.
False. Dylan starts taking drugs after Vulture's crew beats him up.
Name 4 characters that symbolize redemption. (Quickly explain.)
Ainsley, Glen, Mr. Crowe, Edward (remembering Dylan), Dan,
Name 2 people who live in Murdock.
Miriam (nurse), Jack (convenience store), Edward Wallace (grandfather)
Give 3 reasons why we could assume that Dan is a nice guy.
The house is clean, they have food in the refrigerator, they have a Christmas tree, Christmas lights, gifts, he comes to look for Dylan, invites Dylan over for celebrations, etc. He has shown himself to be better than the last men (the kids, the house, the food, the invites)
What led to Dylan living on the street?
On Dylan's birthday, his mom had Dan come over. She wanted everyone to say that they all had the same father (Italian man). But Dylan laughed because Micha is much darker than a blend of caucasian and Italian.
Dylan trusts Ainsley, a former street kid who is now studying to be a social worker.
False. Dylan does not trust social workers. He avoids Ainsley.
Name 6 characters that aren't positive people in Dylan's life.
Jenna, Vulture, Lurch, The Bandana Kids, Joan (mom), Twitch, Brad, Phil, ...
Who tries to help Dylan after his beating from The Bandana Kids?
The Swear Lady (Gladdy), Amber, The Garbage Man, Jenna, Glen, ...
Name 5 of Dylan's theories.
Every fourth person will give him money (Chapter 1).
No one gives something for nothing (Chapter 1).
The best way to communicate is with a shrug (Chapter 2).
Never trust anyone who says “believe me” (Chapter 4).
Relatives suck — family always lets you down (Chapter 5).
Life’s a series of causes and effects — nothing happens by chance (Chapter 7).
People who give advice usually want something in return (Chapter 8).
People fall into black holes of their own making (Chapter 19).
Everyone and everything is relative — one person’s truth depends on where they stand (Chapter 22).
Street kids operate according to gravity — once pulled down, it’s nearly impossible to escape (Chapter 24).
Theories keep you sane; they help explain the chaos (Chapter 25).
Einstein’s theory: change begins with small steps and faith in yourself (Chapter 26).
Dylan’s revised theory: you can’t survive alone; connection gives life weight (Chapter 28).
How do mental health and addiction issues intersect with homelessness?
Some youths use substances to cope with trauma; others develop mental health issues from stress and lack of resources.
Dylan knew he couldn't trust anyone on the streets, which is why he was never disappointed or let down by another.
False. Jenna used him.
What do Albert Einstein's theories symbolize?
They are metaphors to help him survive on the streets and develop his own "theories of relativity" based on them.
Name 5 family members of Dylan's.
Edith (aunt), Joan (mother), Edward (Grandfather), Phil (father), Micha (brother), Jordan (brother), ...
What organization, program or refuge could Dylan use to help himself get out of the streets? Name 2.
Shelters, drop-in centres (Ainsley), counselling (Ainsley), outreach programs (Glen).
Name 3 stereotypes that were "followed" in this story, and 3 things that went against the stereotypes.
varies...
- Twitch's drug use
- Jenna's prostitution
- Dylan wants help
- Dylan didn't leave; he was asked to leave
- Dylan tried to get a job