3. Nelson and his mother both speak at the school board meeting to support the beginning of a Gay-Straight Alliance club at the high school. What does Nelson talk about and what impact does it have on the board and those who oppose the club?

4. How does Kyle's father react to the fight in which Kyle has recently been involved? Why does this surprise and please Kyle?

5. What happens to Nelson that makes Jason feel the need to interfere? What does Jason do?

6. Where does Nelson meet Brick? What happens when Nelson meets Brick at a local coffee bar?

7. What does Nelson's father say to Nelson on the phone? What does this conversation suggest about Nelson's relationship with his father?

8. How do Kyle's parents respond to a harassing phone call placed to their home in response to Kyle's involvement in the forming of a GSA club at school? How does this inspire Kyle to stand up for himself in an unusual way?

9. How does Debra react when Jason tells her that he thinks he might be gay?

10. What happens when Jason and his father get into an altercation over the volume of his stereo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Shea? What is her relationship with Nelson? How often does Nelson go to Shea with his troubles? What does Shea know about Nelson that no one else knows? Why does Nelson begin avoiding Shea's calls? How does Shea feel about this? Why does Shea end her relationship with Nelson? How does Shea respond when Nelson seeks her out and tries to make amends? Why does she behave in this way? Is she right? What might Nelson have done differently to avoid this situation?

Essay Topic 2

What is the Gay-Straight Alliance? Why do Nelson and Kyle want to start a branch of the club in their school? What do they hope to do with this club? Why is the principal hesitant to allow the club at the high school? Is the principal biased against Nelson and Kyle, or are there other reasons for his actions? What does Nelson talk about at the school board meeting when he goes to argue for the club? How does this argument impact the decision of the school board? How do most of the kids at school react to the club? How might you react to such a club at your school?