Sam’s coming-of-age experience centers on dealing with the challenge of change. Sam faces a choice, framed by the parable of the rock and the river. The rock represents those who resist change; the river represents those who rise to the challenge of change. The choice is embodied in Father and Stick. What does Sam find attractive about each approach, and how does his final epiphany indicate how he has come to terms with change?

Teaching Suggestion: You might use the story of Sam’s evolution to reveal that teenagers today face the same choice: resistance to change or the willingness to engage with it. Encourage students to see Father and Stick as facing the same system of oppression. They both want justice for Bucky. They both want Black kids to grow up within reach of their dreams. You might find it helpful to connect the discussion to the theme of Action Versus Inaction.