Jessica remarks that she and Mint share similar wounds because of their fathers. Yet she also bonds with Coop over their shared lack of privilege, which sets them apart from most students at Duquette. Write an essay comparing and contrasting Jessica’s bonds with Mint and Coop and how each fulfills a different part of her.

Each member of the East House Seven carries a secret related to the night Heather died. Though Mint is responsible for stabbing her, each betrays Heather in their way. Using examples from the text, write an argumentative essay discussing their roles in her death. In what ways does the network of responsibility spread from Mint to the other five?

Jessica’s father puts unrealistic pressure on her college and career aspirations. Frankie’s father lives vicariously through his son’s football career. Jack’s parents suffocate him with stringent religious beliefs. Mint’s mother flaunts her affair, humiliating her husband and son. Heather’s parents idolize and spoil her. What roles do parental pressure and parental failure play in the narrative? How do they shape the themes of the novel?