1. What characteristics in kids cause them to form gangs? How do gangs become violent? What can readers do to prevent gang violence?

2. How realistic is life portrayed for the teenagers in the novel? How does it differ from life in a rural town?

3. Describe the benefits of living and going to school in New York City. Describe the drawbacks.

4. How has public transportation changed in New York City in the last twenty years? How will it continue to change in the next twenty years? How will it affect students?

5. Have eating patterns changed in the last twenty years? If so, how? How does this affect the health of teenagers today?

6. Describe the tasks of a telephone repairperson. How do the tasks differ between wire line and wireless phones?

7. What credentials does someone need to be a high school teacher? How...