2. 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?

3. How does Kyle react to seeing Jason at the Rainbow Youth meeting? How does Jason react to seeing Kyle?

4. Why has Kyle not told his parents that he is gay?

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

6. How does Kyle happen to give Jason a ride home from school in Chapter 5? Why does Jason become annoyed with Kyle?

7. How does Nelson reveal some of his self-doubts while alone with Kyle in Chapter 6?

8. Why do Nelson and Kyle want to begin a Gay-Straight Alliance at their high school? Who opposes the idea?

9. Why is Nelson bothered by Kyle's crush on Jason?

10. How does Jason know that Nelson is gay? What does Jason think of Nelson?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Nelson? What is unique about the way Nelson dresses and behaves? Why does Nelson's personality cause him trouble in school? What does the school do about this? How does Nelson feel about this treatment? What is the attitude of Nelson's mother toward his sexuality? How is this different from the other characters in the book? Does the acceptance Nelson finds at home and among his friends cause him to deal with his sexuality differently than the other characters in the novel? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Why is Jason so afraid for people to learn about his friendship with Kyle? Why is Jason afraid of people learning he is gay? Why does Jason hesitate to do things, such as rescue Kyle and Nelson from bullies or attend the GSA meeting? What often changes Jason's mind? How does Jason come to tell his father the truth about his sexuality? How does Jason's father react? Why does Jason believe it is his fault that his father left the family? Is his father leaving such a bad thing for Jason and his family? Explain.