Summary

NOTE: For clarity in this guide, any reference to King refers to Maverick's friend. The baby, who is also named King, is called Seven throughout this guide.

In Chapter 1, Maverick Malcolm Carter, a 17-year-old Black boy, cites the fact that everyone knows the rules of the streets. These are "natural stuff you know the moment your momma let you out the house" (3). Maverick is playing basketball. His girlfriend Lisa is watching from the sidelines. Maverick is paired with his best friend, King, against Maverick's cousin Dre and Dre's friend Shawn. Shawn makes a joke and the spectators laugh. Someone shouts encouragement to "Lil Don and Lil Zeke," using nicknames to compare Maverick and King to their fathers. Shawn and Dre win the game without letting Maverick and King score, and Maverick knows Dre will never let him forget it.

King seems unreasonably angry...