Stupid Fast

Felton comments that he changes from “squirrel nut donkey boy to big” (93). Describe how Felton changes over the course of the novel. What new roles does he take on? What does he learn about himself and others?

Felton, Andrew, and Jerri each cope differently with Steven’s suicide. Compare their unique coping strategies. Are they effective? Why or why not?

What is Felton’s initial attitude towards sports? Why do you think he decides to join the football team? What are some of the pros and cons of his decision? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

In what ways is Felton like his dad? How does Felton feel when he finds out his dad was not the person he thought? How does Felton resolve these feelings?

Jerri feeds Andrew and Felton a false history about their dad, keeping her negative relationship with Steven secret. What effect does her lie have on Andrew? On Felton? On herself?

Compare and contrast Jerri’s relationships with Andrew and with Felton. How do the boys relate to Jerri at the start of the novel? At the end? Describe how these relationships change over the course of the novel.

Jerri comments that Felton’s running is as beautiful as Aleah’s piano playing. What does she mean? What feelings do Aleah and Felton each experience when they are pursuing their passions?

Felton enjoys comedy, saying that he does not like “dark” tales, yet his story contains tragic and unhappy events. How does Felton use humor in his narrative? How does humor help the reader understand and empathize with Felton?