Essay Questions

What is the significance of the Low Cuts bully group stealing the ice cream?

Originally, the Low Cuts terrorized the school, led by lead bully Bit. However, the members of the group find solace in the fact that they are all the children of parents with cancer. This brings them closer together than ever, and they start to realize the beauty in the world, and the importance of helping others. Instead of stealing for themselves, they steal ice cream for Bit's mother. Bit's mother had just gotten done with her second round of chemotherapy, and the group wanted to do something genuinely nice for her.

How does Fatima change over the course of her story?

Fatima begins chapter four as an uptight, nervous character. Recording everything that she does, such as the steps that she takes to and from school, she wants to make sure that nothing unexpected happens. When she meets Benni Austin unexpectedly, she originally doesn't know what to think. Benni always does and says what comes to her mind at the moment, and is not predictable at all. The new friendship between the two causes Fatima to rethink her life style. Instead of being so worried about the future, she begins to start thinking about the present and the positive impact that she can leave on the world.

How are the stories of Fatima and Satchmo similar?

Both Fatima and Satchmo are worried about things that they think will happen. These worries are based on predetermined notions, rather than any factual evidence. Satchmo is afraid that his neighbor's dog might bite him, and tries to avoid the dog at all costs. Satchmo has reasons for his fear, given that he was attacked by a dog in the past. However, Satchmo comes to realize that the dog is friendly after all, just as Fatima comes to realize that it is not healthy to obsessively worry over what may or may not happen in the future.