Educator Resources

Chapters 1-3 (pp. 3-38)

What is the time and place of the book? List some period details with page numbers, including any vocabulary or descriptions that are new to you.
Who is the first person narrator? Describe what you know about them so far and your first impression of them.
Describe the major conflict presented and how it relates to the specific culture in the book.
Compare the first day of school at Stonewall to what you think Nell had imagined her first day at Lee would have been like. What is your prediction of how the school year will go?
Tell about a connection you made with the story (text-to-self, text-to-text/media, or text-to-world). How does that connection help you understand the story better?

Chapters 4-8 (pp. 39-84)

Make a list of the secondary characters so far. Add a descriptive word or phrase beside each name that you can infer from the text.
Compare the popular group in this school in 1969 to a popular group in high school now by citing several differences and likenesses.
List situations where race has made a difference. What motivated these actions and why? Would these same things occur today?
What is some new information you learned about Nell?
What is some new information you learned about Donald?
Discuss a meaningful or deep-thinking question that you have had with this book so far.

Chapters 9-11 (pp. 85-117)

Several important events happen in these chapters. Choose two to describe and explain why it is significant to the story (to the plot, to the characters, and/or to the ideas of the book).
Reread the letter to the editor (pp. 92-93). Look up the definition of immoral and write why you think the author of that letter thought the school was promoting immorality. Write a response to that letter, including a sentence about why the words we use matter.
Examine the conflict between Nell and her parents about the school change. Often parents defend their actions to their children with “it’s for your own good.” Would Nell’s parents have said that? Why or why not? Make a prediction of what might happen next.
When Nell tells Venetia about changing schools, Venetia says, “I didn’t take you for one of those kind of white people.” (p.116) What did she mean by that?
Tell about a connection you made with the story (text-to-self, text-to-text/media, or text-to-world). How does that connection help you understand the story better?

Chapters 12-15 (pp. 118-165)

We are influenced by the people who surround us, and particularly by our friends. Compare the Nell who hung out with Venetia, Claudia, and Fergy to the Nell that hung out with Penny and Sylvia to the Nell that hung out with Sally. Which “Nell” feels more authentic to you and why? What are some ways she could be her most authentic self with all of her friends?
Because Nell is the narrator, we get to read her inner thoughts. Examples are on p. 124, 125, 155, & 165. Choose one of these, or find another on your own, that resonates with you. Explain how Nell’s thoughts and feelings could have a universal connection, possibly with examples from your own experience.
What is it about the coffeehouse that makes it become such an important part of Nell’s life?
Nell has a different kind of relationship with her father than with her mother. What made the difference? Is it just personalities or could actions on anyone’s part (father, mother, Nell) have made a difference?
Discuss a meaningful or deep-thinking question that you have had with this book so far.

Chapters 16-19 (pp. 166-204)

Describe Nell’s relationship with her brother, Donald, from Nell’s perspective, and why she keeps Donald’s secrets. Now imagine how Donald would describe their relationship. Do you feel like it’s a balanced relationship? Why or why not?
On p. 171, Nell’s dad says, “But real change, significant change, takes lifetimes.” Discuss whether you agree or disagree with him and why. If change can happen faster, cite some examples. If change really does take lifetimes, why would it make a difference for one person to try?
What made the party fall apart? Could or should anyone have done anything to change what happened?
What is the significance of the young woman who handed Nell a piece of paper with the soldier’s name? (p. 195)
What are some details that shine a light on racial differences in the scene at the pizza restaurant? (pp. 202-204)

Chapters 20-23 (pp. 205-240)

On p. 213, Nell says, “I had broken the family code.” What are some ways she has broken away from her family and not behaved as they would have behaved as the book has progressed?
What does it mean to show contempt versus show anger? Do you think one is worse than the other? Why or why not? Think about a time you may have felt contempt OR you thought someone felt contempt for you. Describe that experience.
Reread the last paragraph on p. 213. Imagine the comparison that Nell refers to and write a paragraph about what you think she meant.
Make a prediction of what will happen to Donald.
Go through Chapter 23 and add to the list made in #5 above of the details that highlight racial differences.

Chapters 24-27 (pp. 241-274)

What do you think of Father Richard’s involvement with Donald’s decision? How are the secrets that Nell and Father Richard helpful or not helpful?
Compare the party at Venetia’s house to the party that was at Claudia’s house. In what ways were they the same and in what ways were they different? Why couldn’t Nell have stood up to Mike the way Venetia stood up to Lamont? What does it take to stand up to a bully?
Why do you think Donald didn’t come home?
Discuss some ways that Nell grows up in these chapters by citing specific actions.
Tell about a connection you made with the story (text-to-self, text-to-text/media, or text-to-world). How does that connection help you understand the story better?

Chapters 28- Epilogue (pp. 275-312)

If Sally was one of Nell’s best friends, why did she keep her dismissal from St. Mary’s a secret? (p.276)
Mrs. Hayes told Nell that she’s afraid if she goes to State she “would be a frustrated soul longing for some freedom.” (p. 278) What does she mean by that? Where do you think Nell should go to college and why? Is there any advice in these chapters for making your own decision about college?
Nell’s father reveals some struggles of his own. Write a paragraph about those struggles and why he is so affected, revealing what you’ve learned about Eugene Randolph throughout the book.
Reread the final paragraph of Chapter 29 (pp. 293-294). What has Nell learned since she walked into Stonewall High School the first day?
Make a connection between Hey, White Girl and “The Dream Keeper”(p.300). Why do you think the author included this poem?
Do you think the Epilogue is essential to the story? Why or why not?