63 pages 2 hours read

Wes Moore

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2010

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After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

One of the key ideas within the novel is the dichotomy between fate and choice in determining the outcome of a person’s life. To what extent were choice and outside factors, or fate, responsible for the two Wes Moores’ different outcomes? Are their fates as interchangeable as the author suggests?

  • In what ways did outside factors related to social, economic, and racial disparities impact these young men?
  • What resilience factors did both have access to, and how did these factors contribute to their ability to make choices?
  • What choices or turning points did each face, and what contributed to their decision-making at these junctures?
  • Given their environments, to what extent did their choices reflect responses to the world around them? Were they in a position to make sound choices? Why or why not?
  • What conclusions might one draw about choice and free will after reading this book?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may benefit from written copies of the questions to refer to while discussing. Students may also benefit from previewing questions ahead of time to prepare in-depth answers and refer more directly to the text. Group or personal notetaking may increase information retention.

Differentiation Suggestion: Nonverbal or socially anxious students may benefit from submitted written responses in place of verbal participation in a class discussion.

Related Titles

By Wes Moore

Study Guide

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Discovering Wes Moore

Wes Moore

Discovering Wes Moore

Wes Moore