1. Keeny wavers between optimism and pessimism concerning his future.

What reasons does he have for being optimistic? For being pessimistic?

2. Why does Keeny deliberately lead the carnival-goers to think that he has drugged the Kool-Aid?

3. What does Keeny learn from Zapata? How? In what way does Keeny reject Zapata's attitude toward society?

Why, in chapter 21, does Keeny destroy the cardboard figure of Zapata?

4. Describe the "vicious circle" that most young people in Dogtown are doomed to follow.

5. Summarize Sergeant Rock's philosophy about juvenile delinquency.

6. What does the red poncho symbolize to Keeny?

7. Describe Rosie's foster home. Does Keeny see it as a positive force, a negative force, or both? Why?

8. What sort of help does Keeny wish he could find in society and authority?

Does he feel that other people need the same sort of assistance?

9. What effect does Keeny have on Yo-Yo?