Jared has several opportunities to escape the volatile family situation that prevents him from living a better life. Describe each of the obstacles that keep Jared from leaving. Explain what complications could arise if he did leave. At the conclusion of the novel, many of the circumstances that would have helped Jared leave have changed. How might the changes in those circumstances prevent Jared from leaving as his character grows stronger and more independent? What options does Jared have for living a better life?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may want to begin by first listing all the relevant circumstances in the novel they can remember before looking back at the text. This may help them to analyze the novel chronologically, as Jared’s reasons for staying change based on the characters and situations around him. Students may want to refer to some of the paired resources for the novel, as generational addiction, generational poverty, and family dysfunction all play a major role in Jared’s decision to stay and his inability to leave.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who require additional assistance with organizing their ideas, consider permitting students to use the chart below to guide their thinking.

Event / Jared’s Reaction/Feelings

Jared’s father is in debt.