Lily and Dunkin

Both Lily and Dunkin attain a greater level of self-acceptance by the end of the novel. In what ways are their journeys the same? How do they differ?

Lily and Dunkin each have secrets. How does the keeping of their secret affect their actions and relationships in the novel? How do their lives change when their secret comes to light?

Gephart includes an epigraph at the start of the novel that reads: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” Why did she choose to include this quote? How does it relate to the novel? 

Though Dunkin chooses to hang out with the Neanderthals through much of the novel, what evidence exists that he is uncomfortable with their behavior, particularly toward Lily? Why does he remain friends with them?

Why does Lily remain silent about the bullying she endures at the hands of Vasquez and the Neanderthals? What effect does their cruelty have on her?

Dunkin struggles with his mental health through much of this novel. What factors add to Dunkin’s struggle? What clues are there that Dunkin is struggling before he breaks down on the basketball court? After being hospitalized, what changes are evident in Dunkin?  

Lily and her father have a strained relationship at the beginning of the novel, but by the end they have come together. What changes occur within their relationship? What causes those changes? How does each character feel during the various stages of their relationship?

Lily and Dunkin ultimately realize that the other is a true friend. What did each character do or say to make it clear that he or she was worthy of friendship?