What role do books and education play in Hinton’s narrative? To what extent does the protagonist’s exclusion from traditional modes of learning affect the development of his character?

Discuss the symbolism of the rumble fish. What do they add to the brothers’ narrative, and why do you think that Hinton named her book after them?

What role do parental figures play in Hinton’s narrative? How do their actions inform Rusty-James and the Motorcycle Boy’s attitudes to life?