Napoleon and Racism

1. Is Napoleon overly sensitive to the racial prejudices surrounding him, as Richard initially perceives, or are his emotions entirely warranted? What leads you to your conclusion?

Richard and Baseball

2. What drives Richard to seek solace and escape in the world of baseball?

Napoleon's Motives

3. Why does Napoleon choose to linger around Richard? Does he genuinely consider Richard his friend, or is he simply seeking companionship in an unfamiliar city?

The Baseball Obsession

4. With baseball at the core of Richard's universe, is his fascination beneficial for him?

Fenway Park's Demographics

5. Why had Richard previously overlooked the scarcity of African-American fans at Fenway Park?

Napoleon's Character

6. In your view, is Napoleon a believable representation of a seventh-grade student, or do his thoughts and insights seem too mature for someone in junior high? Elaborate on your perspective.

Ambitions and Assumptions

7. Why does Richard presume that Napoleon shares his dream of being the next Gold Dust Twin? Why did it never occur to him to question Napoleon about his own aspirations?

Discontent at St. Colmcille's

8. Characters like Butchie, hailing from various parts of Boston, harbor resentment towards attending St. Colmcille's. What fuels their aversion to the school?

The Impact of Jim Rice and Fred Lynn

9. What makes the combination of Boston Red Sox rookies Jim Rice and Fred Lynn so pivotal in the narrative?