Theories of Relativity

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Dylan guards his backpack with his life for most of the book, but he loses it when the Bandana Kids beat him. How is losing his backpack like losing himself?

• How does Dylan’s life change after the Bandana Kids beat him and steal his backpack? (topic sentence)
• Provide evidence that demonstrates how Dylan associates his backpack with his sense of identity and how Dylan loses his principles when he is without his backpack.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Dylan’s backpack symbolizes his principles and his loyalty to himself.

2. Dylan often ignores the resources available to him and rejects the aid of adults in his life. How does Dylan’s rejection of these tools contribute to the theme of Choosing to Accept Help?

• How does Dylan’s attitude toward places like the youth center and the alternative school keep him from exploring avenues to escape homelessness? (topic sentence)
• Provide evidence of Dylan’s opinions toward the youth center and alternative school and how these resources are designed to help street kids.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Dylan’s attitude toward these resources negatively impacts his time on the streets and link it to the theme of Choosing to Accept Help.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Consider Jenna’s and Amber’s respective story arcs. In what ways are they similar and different? What are the differences between Jenna’s relationship with Dylan and Amber’s relationship with Dylan? What about their respective relationships with Vulture? How are Jenna and Amber foil characters to one another? In your essay, explore how Jenna and Amber, despite their similarities, have inverse story arcs as the novel progresses. Incorporate quotes from the beginning, middle, and end of the novel to show how the characters move in opposite directions.

2.  The street kids of Theories of Relativity have different circumstances that drive them to the streets, but Dylan, Twitch, Jenna, and Amber each indicate that there are familial issues to blame. Choose two of these characters to explore how family life, generational hardships, and abuse contribute to higher rates of youth homelessness. As you compose your essay, incorporate evidence to show why each of your two characters has chosen street life over their life at home. If your character did not make the choice for themself, explain their justification for staying on the streets rather than seeking out resources.