A major theme in this novel is the difference between the family people are born into and the family they create. For “The Juvie Three,” is either type of family more “real” than the other one? How do the characters distinguish different types of family?

Teaching Suggestion: This Discussion/Analysis Prompt invites students to connect their responses from the Personal Connection Prompt to the novel. For Korman’s characters, Blood Family and Found Family is an important distinction: Arjay feels close to his blood family, whereas Terence and Gecko do not feel loved and supported by their blood relations. The boys learn that they can feel supported and loved by their friends and mentors, especially if they are unable to receive this love at home. To extend this discussion, consider allowing students to make connections between the theme in this book and other works of literature or film. Students could compare the messages between works or mediums, or they could identify patterns and discuss why the theme is prominent in the modern world.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

PRESENTATION: “The Impact of ‘Juvie’ on Adolescents”