Can’t Get There From Here by Todd Strasser
Novel Study Discussion Questions
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Maybe, Tears, Rainbow, Jewel, 2Moro, Maggot, Country Club, and OG. These are the street names of the teenage characters in the book. What is the significance of these street names?
Describe the stereotypical homeless person. Do any of the characters in the book fit that description? Do you think stereotypes of homeless people are accurate?
Look at the sympathetic adults in the book such as Anthony, the social workers from the Youth Housing Project, Detective Charles, and Officer Ryan. These adults try to help the homeless teens. Why do you think the homeless teens avoid and reject the offers of help and services available to them?
Bobby, the library security guard, Jack from the Cradle Club, and Rachel the woman who wants to give the panhandling teens money, illustrate different perspectives adults have on homeless teens. Describe these perspectives.
What was the effect for you as a reader when the author began chapters with a typed police report every time someone died? What purpose do you think the author intended by writing these reports?
Examine the relationship between Maybe and Anthony and discuss how it changes. What were some of the crucial turning points?
Share your thoughts about some of the homeless teens in this book. Do you feel sympathy for anyone? Are you angry at any of them?
Compare the feelings of fear and isolation with the bonding and caring for one another that the homeless teenagersí experience. What is their view of family? How is it similar or different from your view of family?
