1) In Jesse, the efforts of César Chávez and others to fight for the rights of farm workers are a part of life. Jesse even goes to Delano with Raul, Leslie, and some others to participate in a march in support of the striking workers. As a result, readers are naturally inclined to side with the striking workers and agree that their cause is just. Do you think that using literature to address social issues or to open the eyes of readers to society's ills is appropriate and/or effective? Why do you think as you do? Use examples from this novel, as well as from any other works you have read that deal with social issues, in your response.
2) Explain the role faith plays in Jesse's life. Use examples from the book to support your answer. Writ at least one paragraph containing 5-10 sentences.
3) Much of Jesse's time is spent thinking about girls. Describe how Jesse feels about girls and how he thinks girls feel about him. What are Jesse's interactions with girls like? How do Jesse's interactions with girls affect the way readers view him? Writ at least one paragraph of 7-10 sentences in which you answer all three parts of this question. Use examples from the text in support of your answer.
4) At the conclusion of the novel, Jesse thinks that "no one was getting up to set the crooked world straight." What does Jesse mean when he describes the world as "crooked"? What events and experiences has he had that lead him to this description of the world? How is this statement evidence of Jesse's maturity over the course of the novel? Writ a paragraph of at least 5 sentences in which you explain what Jesses means and the events and experiences that led him to his belief. Writ a second paragraph that describes how the statement is evidence of Jesse's maturity.