1. Why is Kyle worried about the questions his mother will ask about the magazine she saw in his bedroom? What does Kyle believe his parents' reaction to his sexuality will be?

2. How does Jason feel when his friends joke about Nelson and other homosexuals at their school? What does he do?

3. What conversation do Jason's friends have at homecoming that makes Jason uncomfortable?

4. How does Jason react when he sees Nelson in the Rainbow Youth meeting? Why?

5. Why does Nelson become annoyed with Kyle when all he wants to talk about is Jason?

6. Why does Jason approach Kyle at school the following Monday?

7. Why does Nelson suggest to Kyle that they experiment sexually with one another? How does Kyle react?

8. What is it like when Jason is alone with Kyle for a study session? What do they talk about?

9. How does Kyle's mother ask about the magazine and learn about Kyle's sexuality?

10. What causes an argument between Kyle and his father after a football game? How does Kyle react to his father's apology? What do the actions of Kyle's father suggest about their relationship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Kyle participate on the swimming team at school? How does Kyle feel pressured to be an athlete? How does this impact Kyle's relationship with his father? Why do some men equate athletic ability to manliness? Is Kyle less of a man because he does not like sports? How does Kyle's situation with his father compare to Jason's relationship with his father? Does Kyle's father approve of Jason only because Jason is an athlete? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Who is Kyle? How does Kyle feel about his own sexuality? Why is Kyle worried about people at school learning the truth about his sexuality? What does Kyle think will happen if people learn the truth? Why has Kyle not told his parents about his sexuality? How does Kyle think his parents will react to the news of his sexuality? Why does Kyle think this? What is Kyle's relationship like with his mother? With his father?