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.