RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 5- pages 195-239

What do you think of their decision to move back to their old neighborhoods in Newark? Would you do the same thing?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 5- pages 195-239

Whom do George, Sam, and Rameck invite to their graduation from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey? Whom would you invite to share such a big day with you? Why?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 5- pages 195-239

Describe the experience of “Match Day.” Do you think you would be excited, nervous, or both?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 5- pages 195-239

Sam does not pass the state-board exam right away. What keeps him going? Why doesn’t he give up? What would you do in a similar situation?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 4- pages 141-194

When Rameck gets arrested for having the fishing knife, his dream almost ended. How does this experience affect Rameck? How would an unfortunate event like this affect you? Would you have given up?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 4- pages 141-194

What did the boys enjoy about their job working as toll collectors on the New Jersey turnpike? Do you have a job? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 4- pages 141-194

Both Rameck and Sam talk about falling in love. How do their relationships affect them? How do your relationships affect you?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 4- pages 141-194

Describe how the lure of the rap world entices Rameck and George. What decision would you have made?

RESPONSE QUESTION SECTION 3- pages 99-139

Describe what Rameck's idea of “Giving Back" is. Do you agree or disagree?

RESPONSE QUESTION SECTION 3- pages 99-139

The summer program the boys attend before their freshmen year at Seton Hall is quite rigorous. What are some of the challenges they faced? Do you think you would have been able to survive?

RESPONSE QUESTION SECTION 3- pages 99-139

Sam calls Carla at Seton Hall an “Earth Angel.” Is this title fitting? Who is your “Earth Angel?”

RESPONSE QUESTION SECTION 3- pages 99-139

George talks about the school and community activities that helped keep him out of trouble. Describe some of them. Do you agree or disagree that activities and athletics can keep teenagers off the streets? Do you belong to any groups like this?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 2- pages 55-97

Re-read how George describes graduation at the end of this section. Was he excited or scared? Have you ever thought about your own graduation? Are you excited? Are you scared? Are you nervous?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 2- pages 55-97

Describe some of the “few good examples” Rameck describes on p. 72. Who are your role models?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 2- pages 55-97

Think about the initial presentation Sam, George, and Rameck hear about the program at Seton Hall. What were some of the benefits of this program? What were some of the sacrifices they would have to make to participate? Have you ever heard of programs like that? Would you ever consider being a part of such a program?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 2- pages 55-97

Compare University High School in Newark to Prep Charter.

Response Question- SECTION 1- pages 1-53

Describe the “Pandora’s box” that Sam discusses on p. 24. Do you have a “Pandora’s box?”

Response Question- SECTION 1- pages 1-53

Describe the dentist that George meets and the influence this man has on the young boy’s life. Has anyone in your life influenced you in this way?

RESPONSE QUESTION- SECTION 1- pages 1-53

What is “positive peer pressure?” Give some examples of peer pressure that George, Sam, and Rameck face. Then, give example, positive or negative, of peer pressure in your own life.