Boy21

Matthew QuickFiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012

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Introduction

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Reading Context

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Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

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Introduction

Boy21

Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
Originally Published: 2012
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 830L; grades 9-12
Structure/Length: 3 sections; 40 chapters plus preface; approx. 256 pages; approx. 5 hours on audio
Protagonist and Central Conflict: High-school senior Finley is asked by his basketball coach to help a new student, Russ, adjust to the school and the team following the murder of Russ’s parents. Russ believes he is from outer space, and he threatens Finley’s place on the team, but the boys find common ground.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Trauma (murder/death of parents); gang violence and drugs; racism; mental illness; sexual references and innuendos; sexual assault references

Matthew Quick, Author

Bio: Born 1973; grew up in New Jersey and taught high school English there for several years; his novel The Silver Linings Playbook was adapted into an Oscar-winning film; received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from his alma mater, La Salle University, in 2013; lives in North Carolina with his wife, novelist and pianist Alicia Bessette
Other Works: The Silver Linings Playbook (2008); Every Exquisite Thing (2016); The Reason You’re Alive (2017); We Are the Light (2022)
Awards: L.A. Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature (finalist; 2012); Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Books (2012); YALSA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults (2013)