Staring College

Lochem

English Reader 2

4 HAVO
2022-2023

Name: _____________
Class: _____
Introduction
In this second period we are working towards the end of Starr’s adventure. We’ll do
this by exploring the following themes:
• injustice
• race
• community
• belonging (code-switching)
• speaking up

Testing period 2:
• Vocabulary test → gathered from the book T.H.U.G. 1x
• Writing test → (in)formal writing 1x
• Reading comprehension test → test week 3x
• Book assignment one: Slam Poem about T.H.U.G o/v/g

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2.1 African Storytelling
Before we dive back into Starr's world, you'll learn in this lesson all about slam
poetry, which is of course your final product. However, we'll start with how African
stories are transferred from generation to generation.

- You know what a Griot does and his/her importance towards African
(American) Culture.
- You can explain the connection between Griots, rap & slam poetry.
- You know what slam poetry is.
- You know which 5 steps to use to create a solid poem.

1. Watch the clip about African storytelling (magister) and answer the
questions. When you've finished the clip read the information box and
answer the questions on the next page.

Information box: Griots

Griots have three main roles: 1. Storyteller 2. Historian 3. Musician. Read all three
of them and then answer the process question.

1. Storyteller

The griots were the storytellers of the town. After dinner, villagers might hear the
sound of a drum or a rattle announcing a story was soon to be told. They collected
around a central fire and settled down to listen.

The griots told many stories - stories about the many gods and goddesses
worshiped by these early people. They told tales of war and battle and heroes and
leaders and kings. Stories were often accompanied with music and dancing and
song. There was no written language. Stories kept their history alive.Griots know
everything that is going on in the tribe and can tell stories of events and folktales
that might have faded from memory.

2. Historian

A griot can remember and sing seven generations worth of a tribe’s or family’s
history and, in some areas, be completely familiar with the songs of ritual
necessary to summon spirits and gain the sympathy of ancestors.

3. Musician

Accomplished musicians, grits orchestra a circle of music and dance, which draws
in audience members until they become performers, creating a community
experience.

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1. After reading the text, why are Griots the keepers of culture? Explain in your own
words.

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2. If you look at all three roles, why are Griots important for a village.

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3. What would happen to African tribes if they lost their Griot?

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4. Tribes lost their Griots during the heyday of the slave trade. Discuss what changes
this could make into the lives of the people that stayed in Africa and the ones that
were captured and put on a boat to America.

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5. Nowadays in America, African Americans do not share the same values as they
are being taught by the Griot. Why do you think that is the case? Use the information
you’ve gathered at question 4.

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2. Watch the clip about slam poetry and do the process exercises.

1. What is the yellow paper Tyler is writing about?

A. An eviction notice
B. Litter on the streets of Los Angeles
C. A legal pad at his father's office
D. Newspapers, turned with the stain of time

2. What's Ms. Gayle's step 2?

A. Write everything down
B. Capture your memories
C. Read out loud
D. Find your rhythm
3. When Ms. Gayle says, "Cut the fat," she means:
A. Shorten your sentences
B. Abandon extra words
C. Don't embellish
D. Keep slam poetry to under 2 minutes
4. Which one of the steps is repeated?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. None of the above

5. What is Tyler writing about?

A. Leaving his home, going to live with his aunt
B. The hottest summer in his memory
C. Feeling happy about his best friend
D. Losing his father in a car accident

1. Anyone, regardless of age, race, sex, education, class, disability, gender, or

sexuality, can compete.
2. Poems can be about any subject but typically are supposed to be the
creation of the performing poet.
3. Poems are not to exceed a three-minute limit (with 10-second grace period);
if they do, points are deducted.
4. No props may be used when performing the poem.

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 5. No musical accompaniment or musical instruments may be used when
performing, but the poet is allowed to sing, clap, hum, or make noise with
the mouth or other body parts.
6. Poets may perform on their own or in groups with other poets

6. Take a look the rules of a poem slam. Write for every rule an clear explanation
in your owns words.

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7. List the 5 steps one needs to do to write a great slam poem. Write this in your
own words!

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3. OUTPUT: A TREE WITHOUT ROOTS

Write a paragraph in which you first explain and take a stand upon Marcus
Gravey's quote. So explain why you agree or disagree. Second, you are going to
explain why slam poets could be a modern day/ American version of the Griots.
How could they help restore African culture? Write at least 200 words.

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2.2 INJUSTICE

"Daddy once told me there’s a rage passed down to every black man from his ancestors, born the
moment they couldn’t stop the slave masters from hurting their families. Daddy also said there’s
nothing more dangerous than when that rage is activated."

In this lesson, you will learn about one of the major themes in African American
literature: INJUSTICE. After this lesson, you have some understanding of where the
anger of 'black' Americans comes from and can find some of these moments in the
novel. We start this lesson with one of the major influencers on Angie's writing, Tupac
Shakur.

Goals:

At the end of this lesson you:

- are able to link Tupac Shakur's words to the novel and theme of injustice.
- can pinpoint moments in the novel where African Americans were treated
differently.
- spoke up and shared your thoughts about one of the unjust moments in the
novel.

1. THE ROSE THAT GREW FROM CONCRETE

In an interview Angie Tomas told us she has based T.H.U.G. on Tupac's spoken
word song "The Rose That Grew From Concrete". As introduction to this lesson we
are going to listen to this spoken word song. Your task is simple, interpret the
meaning of the song. Write in about 150 words what you think Tupac tried to get
across with this song.

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2. UNJUST MOMENTS

Khalil’s shooting and the ongoing investigation of Officer Cruise put the theme of
injustice at the forefront of the novel.The fact that Khalil was unarmed and did not
threaten the officer makes his murder unjust. The police are unjust at other points
too. Race is tied into this theme of injustice as well because only the African-
Americans are impeded from obtaining justice.

For this process activity, it is your job to find at least 3 moments in the book where
African-Americans are treated differently than their fellow 'white' Americans are
treated. On the google slide list the following things:

1. Explain the scene.

2. Explain why it is unjust how the people are treated in that scene.

3. How could the situation be made just again?

3. Help the characters

Choose one of the moments from the processing exercise above write a letter to
one of the unfairly treated characters. Your goal is to explain the situation and
help the character to cope with the situation. Also give them the advice to either
speak up or stay quiet in the unjust situation.

Take the following into consideration while writing.

- The effect words might have on people who receive them (so also yours)
- The possible dangerous consequences of speaking up.
- How prejudiced/stereotypical thinking might silence them.
- What you would do if you had to walk in their shoes

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2.3 Community
“‘Y’ALL GOTTA COME TOGETHER SOMEHOW, MAN,’ DADDY SAYS. ‘FOR THE
SAKE OF THE GARDEN. THE LAST THING THEY’D EVER EXPECT IS SOME
UNITY AROUND HERE. A’IGHT?’”
In this lesson, we are going to take a look at African American communities. Why are
they all staying in predominantly black suburbs and not moving? Is it because of the
lack of opportunities or free choice? We also journey deeper into Garden Heights and
the concept of family. After this lesson, you'll know what family means to Starr and
what Garden Heights represents.
At the end of this lesson you:
- are able to explain the importance of African-American sense of belonging to a
community.
- broadened your view on the term family.
- spoke up about the moral dilemma of (blood) family vs. (community) family.

1. INTRODUCTION: GARDEN HEIGHTS

Watch the short intro video in which Starr introduces you to her neighborhood.
Answer the process question while watching to get a better understanding of
where she's from.

2. PROCESSING: WHO'S YOUR FAMILY?

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3. PROCESSING 2: COMMUNITY TREE
Discuss: How do you think Starr would define family? How big is her family,
who are included. Also think about African cultures and their view on
community life.

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 4. SHOULD I STAY OR SHOUD I GO NOW?
At the end of the book the Carter family decides to stay in Garden Heights.
Despite the dangers and missed opportunities. This time you are going to write to
and talk about the choice Starr's parents made.
In your letter answer the following:

- Do you think they made the right choice to stay in Garden Heights?
- Explain why African-American communities are so tight knitted (think back on
the Griots form the 1st lesson)
- Do you think Starr agrees with their choice?
- What would you do if you were Starr's parents?

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2.4 THE WRONG CODE?
In this lesson, we are going to take a look at code-switching. Starr's fight between
two worlds is dripping of almost all pages.

CODE SWITCHING (noun):

the practice of changing one’s language, dialect or speaking style to better fit
one’s environment.

What does it mean to grow up in one culture but to fit in into another you have to
adapt all that you know? Furthermore, we'll take a look at how words or jokes could
be hurtful for one person while it was only intended as banter by the speaker.

After this lesson:

- you've learned more about what it means to "code-switch".
- You know the difference between intent and impact.
- You took a stand on racial jokes.

"Slang makes them cool, slang makes me hood."

1. Explain the quote

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2. Why does this quote explain why Starr switches codes when she leaves the
garden?

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3. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS CODE SWITCHING?
Watch the video (magister) in this video we see Angie Tomas and some of the actors
talk about "code switching".Listen to what they have to say and answer the process
questions while listening to get a better understanding of this weird phenomenon.

4. INTENT VS. IMPACT

Watch the clip about intent vs. impact. Listen globally and try to formulate your
own definition of this very important concept.

Definition of intent vs impact:

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Read the following passage of the book again. Then answer the questions
below.

“Equality in basketball. Right, Hails?” Maya says with a wink. “Yes! Wait.” She eyes
Maya suspiciously. “Are you making fun of me or are you serious, Shorty?” “Both,” I
say, leaning back on my elbows, my belly pooching out my shirt—a food baby. We
just left lunch, and the cafeteria had fried chicken, one of the foods Williamson gets
right. “It’s not even a real game, Hails,” I tell her. “Nope.” Maya pats my stomach.
“When are you due?” “Same day as you.” “Aww! We can raise our food offspring as
siblings.” “I know, right? I’m naming mine Fernando,” I say. “Why Fernando?” Maya
asks. “Dunno. It sounds like a food baby name. Especially when you roll the r.” “I
can’t roll my r’s.” She tries, but she makes some weird noise, spit flying, and I’m
cracking up. Hailey points at the game. “Look at that! It’s that whole ‘play like a girl’
mind-set the male gender uses to belittle women, when we have as much athleticism
as they do.” Oh my Lord. She’s seriously upset over this. “Take the ball to the hole!”
she hollers to the girls. Maya catches my eye, hers glimmering sneakily, and it’s
middle school déjà vu. “And don’t be afraid to shoot the outside J!” Maya shouts.
“Just keep ya head in the game,” I say. “Just keep ya head in the game.” “And don’t
be afraid to ‘shoot the outside J,’” Maya sings. “‘Just get’cha head in the game,’” I
sing. We bust out with “Get’cha Head in the Game” from High School Musical. It’ll be
stuck in my head for days. We were obsessed with the movies around the same time
as our Jonas Brothers obsession. Disney took all our parents’ money. We’re loud
with it now. Hailey’s trying to glare at us. She snorts. “C’mon.” She gets up and pulls
me and Maya up too. “Get’cha head in this game.” I’m thinking, Oh, so you can drag
me to play basketball during one of your feminist rages, but you can’t follow my
Tumblr because of Emmett Till? I don’t know why I can’t make myself bring it up. It’s
Tumblr. But then, it’s Tumblr. “Hey!” Hailey says. “We wanna play.” “No we don’t,”
Maya mutters. Hailey nudges her. I don’t wanna play either, but for some reason
Hailey makes decisions and Maya and I follow along. It’s not like we planned it to be

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this way. Sometimes the shit just happens, and one day you realize there’s a leader
among you and your friends and it’s not you. “Come on in, ladies.” Jackson beckons
us into the game. “There’s always room for pretty girls. We’ll try not to hurt you.”
Hailey looks at me, I look at her, and we have the same deadpan expression that
we’ve had mastered since fifth grade, mouths slightly open, eyes ready to roll at any
moment. “Alrighty then,” I say. “Let’s play.” “Three on three,” Hailey says as we take
our positions. “Girls versus boys. Half court. First to twenty. Sorry, ladies, but me and
my girls are gonna handle this one, mm-kay?” Bridgette gives Hailey some serious
stank-eye. She and her friends move to the sideline. The dance party stops and
those guys come over, Chris included. He whispers something to Tyler, one of the
boys who played in the previous game. Chris takes Tyler’s place on the court.
Jackson checks the ball to Hailey. I run around my guard, Garrett, and Hailey passes
to me. No matter what’s going on, when Hailey, Maya, and I play together, it’s
rhythm, chemistry, and skill rolled into a ball of amazingness. Garrett’s guarding me,
but Chris runs up and elbows him aside. Garrett goes, “The hell, Bryant?” “I’ve got
her,” Chris says. He gets in his defensive stance. We’re eye to eye as I dribble the
ball. “Hey,” he says. “Hey.” I do a chest-pass to Maya, who’s wide open for a jump
shot. She makes it. Two to zero. “Good job, Yang!” says Coach Meyers. She’s come
out her office. All it takes is a hint of a real game, and she’s in coaching mode. She
reminds me of a fitness trainer on a reality TV show. She’s petite yet muscular, and
God that woman can yell. Garrett’s at the baseline with the ball. Chris runs to get
open. Stomach full, I have to push harder to stay on him. We’re hip to hip, watching
Garrett try to decide who to pass to. Our arms brush, and something in me is
activated; my senses are suddenly consumed by Chris. His legs look so good in his
gym shorts. He’s wearing Old Spice, and even just from that little brush, his skin feels
so soft. “I miss you,” he says. No point in lying. “I miss you too.” The ball sails his
way. Chris catches it. Now I’m in my defensive stance, and we’re eye to eye again as
he dribbles. My gaze lowers to his lips; they’re a little wet and begging me to kiss
them. See, this is why I can never play ball with him. I get too distracted. “Will you at
least talk to me?” Chris asks. “Defense, Carter!” Coach yells. I focus on the ball and
attempt to steal. Not quick enough. He gets around me and goes straight for the
hoop, only to pass it to Jackson, who’s open at the three-point line. “Grant!” Coach
shouts for Hailey. Hailey runs over. Her fingertips graze the ball as it leaves
Jackson’s hand, changing its course. The ball goes flying. I go running. I catch it.
Chris is behind me, the only thing between me and the hoop. Let me clarify—my butt
is against his crotch, my back against his chest. I’m bumping up against him, trying to
figure out how to get the ball in the hole. It sounds way dirtier than it actually is,
especially in this position. I understand why Bridgette missed shots though. “Starr!”
Hailey calls. She’s open at the three. I bounce-pass it to her. She shoots. Nails it.
Five to zero. “C’mon, boys,” Maya taunts. “Is that all you can do?” Coach claps.
“Good job. Good job.” Jackson’s at the baseline. He passes to Chris. Chris chest-
passes it back to him. “I don’t get it,” Chris says. “You practically freaked out the
other day in the hall. What’s going on?” Garrett passes to Chris. I get in my defensive
stance, eyes on the ball. Not on Chris. Cannot look at Chris. My eyes will give me
away. “Talk to me,” he says. I attempt to steal again. No luck. “Play the game,” I say.

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Chris goes left, quickly changes direction, and goes right. I try to stay on him, but my
heavy stomach slows me down. He gets to the hoop and makes the layup. It’s good.
Five to two. “Dammit, Starr!” Hailey yells, recovering the ball. She passes it to me.
“Hustle! Pretend the ball is some fried chicken. Bet you’ll stay on it then.” What. The.
Actual. Fuck? The world surges forward without me. I hold the ball and stare at
Hailey as she jogs away, bluestreaked hair bouncing behind her. I can’t believe she
said . . . She couldn’t have. No way. The ball falls out my hands. I walk off the court.
I’m breathing hard, and my eyes burn. The smell of postgame funk lingers in the girls’
locker room. It’s my place of solace when we lose a game, where I can cry or cuss if I
want. I pace from one side of the lockers to the other. Hailey and Maya rush in, out of
breath. “What’s up with you?” Hailey asks. “Me?” I say, my voice bouncing off the
lockers. “What the hell was that comment?” “Lighten up! It was only game talk.” “A
fried chicken joke was only game talk? Really?” I ask. “It’s fried chicken day!” she
says. “You and Maya were just joking about it. What are you trying to say?” I keep
pacing. Her eyes widen. “Oh my God. You think I was being racist?” I look at her.
“You made a fried chicken comment to the only black girl in the room. What do you
think?” “Ho-ly shit, Starr! Seriously? After everything we’ve been through, you think
I’m a racist? Really?” “You can say something racist and not be a racist!”

1. First explain why Starr gets so angry about a fried chicken joke.

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2. Starr almost switches to Garden Heights Starr, why do you think she didn’t attack
Hailey?

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3. Explain now what Hailey’s intentions were with her joke.

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4. Was what Hailey intended the same as the impact it had on Starr? Explain why.

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Formative Writing assignments

Informal

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Imagine you live in Garden Heights and you’ve just learned about the shooting. You
decide as a friend of Khalil to pay your respects and write a letter to Mrs Rosalie (his
Grandmother). Write about 300 words and include the following:

• Introduce yourself
• Tell that you feel for Mrs. Rosalie’s loss.
• Explain how you knew Khalil
• Share one of your fondest memories.
• End your letter appropriately

Formal

You are one of Starr’s parents and you want to write a letter of complaint to the police
department. Besides the wrongful death of Khalil, you as a parent demand some sort
of compensation for the way they treated your daughter. Remember that this is a
formal letter and you’re writing to the Chief of the Police department, so try to keep
your tone as neutral as possible (but still convince the reader that they need to
undertake action) Write about 300 words and include the following:

• Introduce yourself
• Introduce the problem
• Explain the wrongful treatment
• Write your demands
• End your letter appropriately

Send your letter to:

3510 South Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60653

United States of America

During the writing test, you need to be able to write a letter without the help of
bullet points!

Inhoud van de opdracht en Toon van taalgebruik maximaal 4 punten

4 punten 3 punten 2 punten 1 punt

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Opdracht goed De opdracht is redelijk goed Een deel van de opdracht De gehele opdracht is niet
begrepen en goed begrepen, maar niet alle is niet begrepen/niet goed begrepen
uitgewerkt. onderdelen zijn even goed geheel uitgevoerd
uitgewerkt. en/of
De toon van het en/of een groot deel van de
taalgebruik is correct, De toon van het taalgebruik er zitten onduidelijkheden opdracht is niet correct
c.q. past bij het is meestal correct, maar er in de uitwerking van uitgevoerd
onderwerp. zijn wat onvolkomenheden. sommige onderdelen.
en/of
Bronnengebruik en - Bronnengebruik en - De toon van het één of meer onderdelen
vermelding is correct vermelding is redelijk taalgebruik is vaak niet zijn niet uitgevoerd.
volgens APA- toegepast volgens APA- correct.
referencing. referencing De toon van het
Bronnengebruik en - taalgebruik is niet correct
vermelding is en/of past niet bij het
onvoldoende toegepast. onderwerp

Bronnengebruik en -
vermelding is niet
toegepast

Coherentie maximaal 4 punten

4 punten 3 punten 2 punten 1 punt

Het werk is een goed Het werk is een redelijk
lopend geheel. Er zijn lopend geheel. Sommige
goede overgangen en overgangen ontbreken
alinea’s. en/of zijn onduidelijk. De
alinea-indeling is niet
vlekkeloos.
Delen van het werk zijn
onduidelijk. Overgangen
en alinea-indeling
ontbreken grotendeels.
Het geheel is onduidelijk.
Overgangen en alinea’s
ontbreken.
.

Grammatica maximaal 6 punten

6 punten 4 punten 2 punten 1 punt

Er zijn weinig of geen Er zijn wel wat fouten,
fouten in zowel maar ze staan een goed
elementaire als begrip niet in de weg. Het
complexe grammatica. gebruik van de elementaire
grammatica is voldoende.
Er zijn fouten in de Er zijn veel fouten. De tekst
grammatica, ook in de is slecht te begrijpen. De
elementaire grammatica . elementaire grammatica is
Een goed begrip van de onvoldoende. De
tekst wordt bemoeilijkt. Nederlandse grammatica is
overduidelijk aanwezig.

Vocabulaire en Spelling maximaal 6 punten

6 punten 4 punten 2 punten 1 punt
Ruime woordkeus. Woordkeus is voldoende. Woordkeus is beperkt. Woordkeus is slecht. Vaak
Goed gebruik van Soms worden Synoniemen/idioom worden worden woorden gebruikt
idioom en synoniemen. synoniemen gebruikt. niet of nauwelijks gebruikt. met de verkeerde
Veel variatie. Levendig. Idioom is voldoende. Er is Er zijn veel herhalingen. betekenisnuance.
weinig variatie, maar niet Synoniemen/ idioom
Er zijn (praktisch) geen al te veel herhalingen. Er is alleen elementaire ontbreken. Nederlands
fouten in zowel spelling gebruikt, min of idioom wordt letterlijk
elementaire als Er zijn wel wat fouten in meer foutloos. vertaald in het Engels.
complexe spelling. complexere spelling,
maar ze staan een goed OF Er zijn veel storende
Interpunctie is foutloos. begrip niet in de weg. Er Er zijn fouten in complexe spelfouten. Ook de
zijn geen elementaire spelling waardoor een goed elementaire spelling is
spelfouten. begrip van de tekst wordt onvoldoende.
bemoeilijkt.
Interpunctie is praktisch Interpunctie ontbreekt en/of
foutloos. Er zijn fouten in de wordt verkeerd gebruikt.
interpunctie.

Maximaal aantal punten: 20

Cijfer: aantal punten gedeeld door 2

20
Book assignment 1
Starr pledges to “never be quiet”. After reading this book, how can you use your voice to
promote and advance social justice?

Reflect on how you and your community discuss and address inequality. Your answer to this
question is your slam poem. Every lesson will help you on the way to find your answer to this
question. This document is created to help you in your creative process and should be seen
as a blank canvas you can use to tweak your work every single week.

1. Our words our culture

What do you want to use from your output assignment in your final slam poem? Copy the
most important quotes of your process and output assignment below.

2. Injustice

What do you want to use from your output assignment in your final slam poem? Copy the
most important quotes of your process and output assignment below.

3. Race & Community

What do you want to use from your output assignment in your final slam poem? Copy the
most important quotes of your process and output assignment below.

4. The wrong code

What do you want to use from your output assignment in your final slam poem? Copy the
most important quotes of your process and output assignment below.

5. Speak up

Now it’s time to use all the input from lesson 1-4 and work through the 5 steps to create a
perfect slam poem. Remember in your poem you should answer the following questions:

1. How can you use your voice to promote and advance social justice?
2. How do you and your community discuss and address inequality?
- Step 1: Write it all down (that’s what you did above).
- Step 2: read out loud
- Step 3: cut the fat
- Step 4: read out loud again
- Step 5: add flavour

21
Book Club part 2

Chapter 16

1. Why did Starr forget about prom?

…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

2. People keep calling Starr “brave.” She doesn’t agree. What do you think?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Starr calls out King during the interview, but calls it “dry snitching” what does
this mean? What’s your opinion about her decision to do this?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

4. Why did Ms. Oprah not want Starr to engage about or answer questions about
Khalil’s possible criminal behavior during the TV interview?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

5. What does Starr say about cops during the television interview?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

6. At the end of the chapter Starr says, “I’d ask if he wished he shot me too…”
regarding what she would say to Officer 115 if she were to see him. React in a
couple of sentences to this statement.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

22
Chapter 17
1. What was notable about Starr’s interview after it aired?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Why was Chris upset Starr didn’t tell him that she was the witness?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. How do you think Chris and Starr finally talking about Starr’s connection to
Khalil’s death will impact their relationship? Why?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. How does Starr feel about the prom at the end of the chapter?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 18
1. On the visit to their new house, Sekani asks, “Daddy, you’re okay with us living
out here with the fake people?” (308) Explain what Maverick means by “fake” and
“real” people. Do you agree with his assessment of people?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. What does Seven say about college?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. What is Maverick’s reaction to Seven’s revelation about college?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. How were the Carter’s able to afford the down payment for the house?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

23
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. What do the Carter’s enjoy spending family time watching?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Who does Maverick get to protect the house after the drive-by shooting?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

7. Right at the end of the chapter Maverick asks Starr to recite three for the
points of the Black Panthers’ Ten-Point Program. What are the three points?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

8. Explain each of these points and why they would be important to Maverick.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

9. Carlos gets very angry at the end of the chapter when Maverick implies Carlos
isn’t trying to protect his niece and nephews. Explain the origin of this conflict. Who
do you agree with Maverick or Carlos? Why?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 19

1. How does the reader’s perception of Garden Heights become more nuaned in
this chapter through Carlos talking to Maverick about growing up there? How does
this help us see Garden Heights with more depth?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Describe the scene at the courthouse. How is Starr’s mood? Use evidence
from the text to support your answer.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………

24
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. How is theme of voice and silence represented in the grand jury scene?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Part 3 Eight Week After It Chapter 20

1. Why is Hailey angry with Starr? What does she want Starr to do? What is
Starr’s response?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Do you agree with Starr’s reaction to Hailey? What would you have done in
this situation?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Starr’s mom says, “This is exactly what they expect you to do. Two kids from
Garden Heights, acting like you got ain’t any sense!” (p. 343) Do you think that is a
valid point, why or why not?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. There are both King Lords and Garden Disciples at Starr’s house when she
gets home. How is this significant and what does their meeting peacefully represent?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. How do Lisa and Mav respond to Seven and Starr’s suspensions? What is
your opinion of their reaction? Did they do the right thing? Should parents always
punish their children for using violence to solve problems or are their times when
violence can be justified?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Part 5 Ten Weeks After It Chapter 21

1. When Chris and Maya come to the party at Uncle Carlos’s house, Starr
describes it, “I should be used to my two worlds colliding, but I never know which
Starr I should be…” (357) How has Starr dealt with this dichotomy up until this point

25
in the book? What changes in her character have we noticed?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Did Iesha go to Seven’s graduation?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Why didn’t Seven invite Iesha to the party?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. What are Seven’s reasons for being angry with Iesha? Do you agree with his
feelings?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. What does Iesha threaten before leaving the party?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Give two examples demonstrating Maverick’s character as a father from this

chapter, include quotes and page numbers.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Part 5 Thirteen Weeks After It- The Decision Chapter 22

1. Why does Chris say, “But I feel like I should apologize on behalf of white
people everywhere.” (375) How does this speak to the larger issues between Chris
and Starr?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. There are multiple instances in this chapter where Chris shows that he
genuinely cares about Starr and is not intimidated by the differences in their race or
social class. Find three from this chapter to support this and explain each.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

26
3. What happened to DeVante?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. How does Iesha help them?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. Why does Starr say, “My brother is smart. So smart he’s dumb. He’s been hurt
by his momma so much that when she does something right he’s blind to it.” (386)
What is the significance of this?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. How does Starr find out about the grand jury decision?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 23
1. Compare and contrast Starr, DeVante, Chris, and Seven’s immediate
responses to the news that the Officer 115 will not be indicted. How do these
responses represent the differences in their characters, social class, and race? With
whom to do you agree and why?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Chris agrees to stay with them as they navigate the unfolding chaos
downtown. What does this say about him as a character?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
3. Why do the residents of Garden Heights riot in response to the decision not to
indict? Do you think this is the appropriate/correct response to the situation? What is
the underlying emotion motivating this behavior?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

27
4. DeVante argues for burning it all down on p. 397. Summarize his argument
and give your opinion about his rationale with an explanation for why you think that.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. What are the white stereotypes that Starr, Seven, and DeVante list? Why are
these funny, whereas when the conversation shifts to Chris asking about black
stereotypes it feels offensive?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. Seven’s explanation of “black names” as being “all about perspective.” (401).

Explain this argument and how the author uses Chris being white to highlight this
difference in the characters’ viewpoints.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 24
1. This is a turning point for Starr, what changes and what does she decide to
do? How does this speak to the larger theme of voice versus silence?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. What is the police response to the protest?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. What’s the apparent remedy for tear gas?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. Starr finally speaks to a reporter. How is this a change for her as a character?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. What happens to the store at the end of the chapter?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

28
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Chapter 25
1. Who burned down the shop and how do we know?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Mr. Lewis tells the police it was King who burned down the shop. This starts a
chain reaction. What happens? Why is it particularly surprising?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. What’s Maverick’s new nickname for Chris? What actions do we see that show
Chris can hold his own against Maverick?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. We see the theme of voice again at the end of the chapter. How does
DeVante decide to use his voice? Why is this particularly significant for him as a
character?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

29
Chapter 26
1. When Starr gets the text from Hailey she says it is “[n]ot what I expected; not
that I expected to get anything from her; not that I even wanna deal with her.” (432)
What is your opinion of their text exchange? Do you think “sorry” is a good first step
for Hailey, or is she a lost cause?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Give examples of the community coming together around Starr’s family after
the loss of their store.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. What’s Kenya’s explanation for why she always called Seven “my brother”
instead of “our brother,” with Starr?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. After talking to Kenya, Starr admits her true feelings about Garden Heights.
What are they?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5. List the names Starr refers to on the last pages on the book. Who do they refer
to? Why are they important?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

6. What is Starr and the author’s final call to action for the reader after finishing
the book? Reflect on the author’s decision to end the book with this call to action.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………….

30
 Vocab Period 2
EN NE EN meaning T.H.U.G. Scene

Chapters 1-5
haze something such as heat or smoke A haze lingers over the room,
in the air that makes it less clear smelling like weed, and music
to see. rattles the floor.

repent turn away from sin or do He always has it on the Friday of

penitence spring break because you need
Saturday to recover and Sunday
to repent.

offend hurt the feelings of She has the nerve to

look offended. “It ain’t like you
had nothing else to do! Or
anybody else to hang out with."

ironic displaying incongruity between As long as I play it cool and keep

what is expected and what is
to myself, I should be fine.
The ironic thing is though, at
Williamson I don’t have to “play
it cool”—I’m cool by default
because I’m one of the only black
kids there.
cringe draw back, as with fear, pain, or He scrubs the shoes with his
embarrassment napkin. I cringe. With each hard
rub, the shoes cry for my help.

justify defend, explain, or make excuses “You mean y’all

for by reasoning wanna justify what that pig did,”
Daddy says.

gape look with amazement I gape at him. “Leave my

husband alone!”

improper not suitable or right or No lie, every time a sneaker is

appropriate cleaned improperly, a kitten dies.

territory the geographical area under the Garden Heights has been a
jurisdiction of a state battlefield for the past two
months over some
stupid territory wars.

seethe be in an agitated emotional state “Ooh! I can’t stand her,”

Kenya seethes.

edition something a little different from
others of the same type
If I’d known following her to this
party meant she’d be on some
Extreme Makeover:
Starr Edition mess, I would’ve
stayed home and watched Fresh
Prince reruns.

32
persona an image of oneself that one He smiles at me, and his dimples
presents to the world ruin any G persona he has.

prophecy a prediction uttered under divine “She’ll be a’ight.”

inspiration It’s a prayer more than
a prophecy.

commotion a disorderly outburst or tumult A commotion stirs in the middle

of the dance floor. Voices argue
louder than the music.

intimidate compel or deter by or as if by Instead, my big brother’s all-caps

threats texts appear on the screen. I
don’t know why he does that. He
probably thinks
it intimidates me. Really, it
annoys the hell out of me.

protective caring or mindful The only thing worse

than protective parents
is protective older brothers.

visible capable of being seen or open to “Starr-Starr, you do whatever

easy view they tell you to do,” he said.
“Keep your hands visible. Don’t
make any sudden moves. Only
speak when they speak to you.”

33
approach move towards The officer approaches the
driver’s door and taps the
window.

registration a document certifying an act of “License, registration, and proof

recording of insurance.”

badge an emblem that signifies your My heart pounds loudly, but

status Daddy’s instructions echo in my
head: Get a good look at the
cop's face. If you can remember
his badge number, that's even
better.

splatter cause or allow to run or flow from Khalil’s body jerks.

a container Blood splatters from his back. He
holds on to the door to keep
himself upright.

rummage search haphazardly The cops rummage through

Khalil’s car.

petition a formal request that something
be submitted to an authority
I’ve seen it happen over and over
again: a black person gets killed
just for being black, and all hell
breaks loose. I’ve tweeted RIP
hashtags, reblogged pictures on
Tumblr, and signed every
petition out there. I always said
that if I saw it happen to

34
 somebody, I would have the
loudest voice, making sure the
world knew what went down.

regardless in spite of everything When she looks at me through

the red haze, Khalil’s eyes stare
back at me, and I realize my
mom’s right. Ms. Brenda is
Khalil’s momma. Regardless.

claim assert or affirm strongly Her red eyes remind me of what

Khalil said when we were little,
that his momma had turned into
a dragon. He claimed that one
day he’d become a knight and
turn her back.

Fragile easily broken or damaged or It’s like a “ Fragile” sticker’s on

destroyed my forehead, and instead of
taking a chance and saying
something that might break me,
they’d rather say nothing at all.

threat declaration of an intention to Besides the cop, I’m the only

inflict harm on another
person who was there. And
you’ve seen stuff like this. It ends
up on national news. People get
death threats, cops target them,
all kinds of stuff.”

35
anguish extreme distress of body or mind But as I hold Khalil’s grandma’s
hand, I see the anguish in her
eyes.

justice judgment involved in the “Oh, we know the truth, that’s

assignment of reward and not what we want,” says Daddy.
punishment “We want justice

exhibit something shown to the public They leave Khalil’s body in the
street like it’s an exhibit. Police
cars and ambulances flash all
along Carnation Street. People
stand off to the side, trying to see
what happened.

36
 EN NE EN meaning T.H.U.G. Scene

Chapters 6-10
vital urgently needed; absolutely necessary “I understand, but she has to talk to
them at some point, Lisa. She’s
a vital part of this investigation.”

occur come to pass “A fight occurred at the party, so we

left together in his car.”

comply act in accordance with someone's “Did Khalil comply?” Gomez asks.
rules, commands, or wishes

Irate feeling or showing extreme anger “Did Khalil seem irate during this
exchange?”
“Annoyed, not irate,” I say.

harass annoy continually or chronicall “He felt that the cop

was harassing him.”

37
reckless marked by defiant disregard for “Khalil wasn’t speeding or driving
danger or consequences recklessly. It didn’t seem like he had
a reason to pull us over.”

hesitant unable to act or decide quickly or “The officer forced Khalil out the
firmly car.”
“Forced?" she says.
“Yes, ma’am. He pulled him out.”
“Because Khalil was hesitant, right?”

narcotic a drug that produces numbness She smiles and says in that same
sugary, sympathetic tone, “Now, do
you know if Khalil sold narcotics?”

sympathy sharing the feelings of others, All the sympathy, the smiles, the
especially sorrow or anguish understanding. This chick was baiting
me.

discredit cause to be distrusted or disbelieved “Did you consume any alcohol at the
party?” she asks.
I know that move from Law & Order.
She’s trying to discredit me. “No. I
don’t drink.”

suspect a person who is believed to be guilty On the Monday night news, they
of a crime finally gave Khalil’s name in the story
about the shooting, but with a title
added to it—Khalil Harris,
a Suspected Drug Dealer.

38
witness someone who sees an event and
reports what happened
They didn’t mention that he was
unarmed. They said that an
“unidentified witness” had been
questioned and that the police were
still investigating.

betray deliver to an enemy by treachery Chris didn’t pull us over, he didn’t

shoot Khalil, but am I betraying who
I am by dating him?

rage an interest followed with exaggerated Oh, so you can drag me to play
zeal basketball during one of your
feminist rages, but you can’t follow
my Tumblr because of Emmett Till?

stance standing posture I get in my defensive stance, eyes on

the ball.

solace comfort offered to one who is It’s my place of solace when we lose
disappointed or miserable a game, where I can cry or cuss if I
want.

bawl cry loudly I stare at the ceiling and blink fast to

keep from bawling.

sanctuary area around the altar of a church for I catch a glimpse of the white casket
the clergy and choir at the front of the sanctuary, but I

39
 can’t make myself try to see more
than that.

endure persist for a specified period of time Weeping may endure for a night, but
how many of you know that JOY—!

accountability responsibility to someone or for some We are a small organization here in

activity Garden Heights that advocates for
police accountability.

credible capable of being believed “As we say farewell to Khalil, we find

our hearts burdened with the harsh
truth of how he lost his life. Just
before the start of this service, I was
informed that, despite
a credible eyewitness account, the
police department has no intentions
of arresting the officer who murdered
this young man.”

route an established line of travel or access I ask you to join us and Khalil’s family
after the service for a peaceful march
to the cemetery. Our route happens
to pass the police station.

eulogy a formal expression of praise for At the end of the eulogy, he says, “If
someone who has died anybody wishes to view the body,
now is the—”

40
casket box in which a corpse is buried or We follow the casket with the family.
cremated Just about everyone we pass has
tears in their eyes. For Khalil. He
really is in that casket, and he’s not
coming back.

commend express a good opinion of “Khalil’s grandmother told me that

Starr is the one who was with Khalil
when this happened. I know she gave
a statement to the police, and I want
to commend her on her bravery. This
is a difficult situation, and that
must’ve taken a lot of strength.”

privacy the condition of being concealed or “We all want the same thing,” she
hidden says. “Justice for Khalil.”
“Excuse me, Ms. Ofrah,” Momma
says, “but as much as I want that, I
want my daughter to have some
peace. And privacy.”

medium a means or instrumentality for The case is about to gain

communicating information national media attention, but I don’t
want it to be at her expense.

advocate a person who pleads for a person, Besides being an advocate, I’m also
cause, or idea an attorney.

representation standing in for someone and speaking Just Us for Justice isn’t providing the
on their behalf Harris family with

41
 legal representation—someone else
is doing that. We’re simply rallying
behind them. However, I’m available
and willing to represent Starr on my
own.

flinch draw back, as with fear or pain Sekani flinches. I’m used to gunshots,
but these are louder, faster.

precinct an administrative district of a city or The news shows three patrol cars
town that have been set ablaze at the
police precinct, about a five-minute
drive away from us.

loot steal goods; take as spoils A gas station near the freeway
gets looted, and the owner, this
Indian man, staggers around bloody,
saying he didn’t have anything to do
with Khalil’s death

tense become nervous or uneasy Daddy calls and says the store is all
right. It doesn’t stop me
from tensing up every time the news
mentions a business that’s been
attacked.

riot a state of disorder involving group All of this is my fault. The riots,
violence gunshots, tear gas, all of it, are
ultimately my fault. I forgot to tell
the cops that Khalil got out with his

42
 hands up. I didn’t mention that the
officer pointed his gun at me. I didn’t
say something right, and now that
cop’s not getting arrested.

confirm establish or strengthen as with new “There are multiple reports that a
evidence or facts gun was found in the car,” the
anchor claims. “There is also
suspicion that the victim was a drug
dealer as well as a gang member.
Officials have not confirmed if any of
this is true.”

protest express opposition through action or They’re holding signs and posters of
words Khalil’s face and are chanting,
“Justice for Khalil!”
I should be out there with them, but I
can’t join that march, knowing I’m
one of the reasons
they’re protesting.

oppressed burdened psychologically or mentally The Panthers educated and

empowered the people. That tactic of
empowering the oppressed goes
even further back than the Panthers
though.

equip provide with abilities or understanding Our schools don’t get the resources
to equip you like Williamson does.

43
 It’s easier to find some crack than it
is to find a good school around here.

felon someone who has been legally Daddy disappears into his office and
convicted of a crime returns with his Glock. He’s not
supposed to carry it since he’s
a felon, but he says that technically
he doesn’t carry it. He keeps it in his
office.

forbid command against And God forbid Sekani wants to play

outside. I gotta drive to my brother’s
house, where I don’t have to worry
about him getting shot like his
sister’s best friend did.

EN NE EN meaning T.H.U.G. Scene

Chapters 11-15
atrium the central area in a building, open to Folks are quiet as hell. Well,
the sky whispering really, in little huddles in
the halls and the atrium like they’re
discussing plays during a basketball
game.

44
meme a cultural idea or behavior passed Somebody’s gonna turn Mr. Lewis
from person to person into a meme. He’s making a fool out
of himself and doesn’t even know it.

retaliation action taken in return for an injury or “Do you think that it
offense was retaliation for the Khalil Harris
case?” the reporter asks.

thug an aggressive and violent young These thugs been terrorizing Garden
criminal Heights for years, how they gon’ get
mad now?

curfew an order that after a certain time “Do you think that the curfew the
activities are prohibited mayor announced today will prevent
incidents like this?” the reporter asks
Mr. Lewis.

linger be about Two officers get out. One black, one

white. Their hands linger too close to
the guns at their waists.

clench squeeze together tightly Daddy looks at the sky and blinks the
way I do when I don’t wanna cry.
He clenches and unclenches his
hands.

45
activate put in motion Daddy once told me there’s a rage
passed down to every black man
from his ancestors, born the moment
they couldn’t stop the slave masters
from hurting their families. Daddy
also said there’s nothing more
dangerous than when that rage
is activated.

defend argue or speak in justification of The Khalil I know would’ve jumped

on TV in a hot second and told
everybody what happened that night
if it meant defending you. And you
can’t do the same for him.

coward a person who shows fear or timidity Here you are, with a chance to help
change what happens in our whole
neighborhood, and you staying quiet.
Like a coward.

violate ct in disregard of laws, rules, A voice booms from the armored

contracts, or promises vehicle, “All persons
found violating the curfew will be
subject to arrest.”

hypocrite a person who professes beliefs that he Some reggae chants meet me in the
or she does not hold hall, followed by Kendrick Lamar
rapping about being a hypocrite.

46
deliberate carefully thought out in advance “It seemed Mr. Lewis impulsively
spoke out in anger and frustration. In
a case like Khalil’s, I would much
rather that you spoke out in a
more deliberate and planned way.”

backfire return with an undesired effect Sometimes these kinds of

things backfire. And at the end of the
day, the court of public opinion has
no say in this. The grand jury does.

evidence means by which an alleged matter is If they see enough evidence, which
established or disproved they should, Officer Cruise will be
charged and tried.

matter have importance or weight I’ll do whatever I can to make sure

you’re heard, Starr. Because just like
Khalil and Natasha mattered,
you matter and your voice matters

militant showing a fighting disposition It’s gonna take a hell of a lotta

boldness to put myself out there for
Khalil. Like “I once told
my militant black daddy about my
white boyfriend” kinda boldness.

exclusive not divided or shared with others “It’s not like this kinda stuff
is exclusive to black people, you
know? The reasoning may be
different, but that’s about it. Your

47
 parents don’t have a problem with us
dating?”

drama an episode that is turbulent or highly We sit at the counter, and I listen to
emotional his play-by-play of school today.
Nobody walked out because the
police were there, waiting for
any drama.

determine shape or influence; give direction to “Please! Dude wearing J’s. White
boys wear Converse and Vans, not no
J’s unless they trying to be black.”
Really? “My bad. I didn’t know
shoes determined somebody’s race.

48