Who would you designate as the hero of the novel? Support your answer with details from the book. Does this character follow the true definition of hero? Why or why not? If not, why have you still made him or her your choice?

Chart the unseen character of Randy Hicks as a driving force in the novel.

Trace the gun as motif in the novel. How has the gun influenced the characters' actions? How has the gun affected the outcome? How has the gun defined the story?

Compare and contrast Jamal and Tito. As best friends, is their relationship based on similarities of nature or differences? Would you call their friendship solid? Would you agree with them that they are best friends?

Examine the following quote and apply it to the novel:

Sometimes when things get hard, we tend to set our sights on what's...