Who is Brittany? Why does she feel she must be perfect? Why does she feel it is her responsibility to care for her disabled sister? Why does Brittany's mother often criticize the way Brittany looks? How does Brittany feel about this? Why?

Who is Alex? Why is Alex in a gang? What does Alex see for himself in the future? Why does Alex not want his brothers to join a gang? How does Alex's mother feel about all of this? How did Alex's father die? Why does Alex begin asking questions about his father's death? Who does Alex eventually learn killed his father? For what reason? What does this imply for Alex's future?

Why is Brittany unhappy when Alex is made her lab partner in chemistry? What does Brittany have against Alex? Is her main concern her grades? Explain. Who is Colin? Why does...