Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper Comprehension Questions

The car, driven by Andrew Jackson, had been noticeably weaving across the lanes of the expressway before hitting a retaining wall and bursting into flames. Jackson, who police said had been drinking, was the cause of the accident.

The occupants of the car were Robert Washington, Andrew Jackson, B.J. Carson, and Tyrone Mills. Robert Washington was killed in the accident, Andrew Jackson was taken to the hospital for burns and bruises, and B.J. Carson and Tyrone Mills were treated and released.

Andrew Jackson, who police said had been drinking, was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he is being treated for burns and bruises. He is listed in good condition.

Robert Washington, who was sitting in the front seat next to the driver, had his feet on the dashboard. The force of the crash sent his feet through the windshield, pinning him inside the automobile. The car’s gas tank then exploded, and Washington burned to death.

Rhonda

Robbie Washington

Tyrone

A basketball victory

Alcohol

B.J.

Red Chevette

The psychological impact

Deeply traumatic

The intensity of their emotions

The friends' bond and shared experiences

The emotional turmoil and shock

Robert Orlando Washington

banter

Robert

Keisha

Gerald

drinking beer, attending a party, and visiting Keisha's house

Rhonda

Gerald

the characters' personal lives, relationships, and interactions

relationships, responsibilities, and their interactions with each other

uncertainty and worry

teenage characters' aspirations, concerns, and social dynamics

Niafra Abundada

disruptive behavior

A student's death in a drinking and driving accident

captain Robbie Washington

a ski trip

Coach Mark Ripley

Coach Ripley and Andy Jackson

exchange students

gratitude and empathy

dedicate the season to him

Coach Mark Ripley

Coach Ripley and Andy Jackson

The teenager feels responsible for not intervening in the friends' plan to drink and drive.

The narrator expresses feelings of inadequacy compared to the deceased friend and the surviving group of friends.

The narrator decides to return to church with their mother after the accident.

A student, Rhonda, recounts the shock and grief of losing a classmate in a car crash.

The deceased student, Robbie Washington, is remembered as a talented athlete and honor student.

The school organizes a canned food drive to help those in need during the holiday season.

The International Exchange Experience brings students from French West Africa to visit Madame Loisel's advanced French classes.

The students from French West Africa impress with their knowledge of French, English, Swahili, and African dialects.

The Hazelwood community comes together to support each other and engage in cultural exchange activities.

Good grades are important to Andy as they make his father stop yelling and his mother smile. His father's yelling and his mother's smiling influence his attitude towards academics, making him feel like good grades are necessary to keep his family happy.

Andy expresses that he is not having much fun these days and only wants to have fun. This reflects his internal struggles as he seems to be dealing with emotional turmoil and a lack of fulfillment in his life.

Andy's response suggests that he may not be fully invested in addressing his struggles and may be dismissive or indifferent towards seeking help or guidance.

Key players include Jackson, Mills, Stefanski, and Shuttlesworth. Jackson scores fourteen points, Mills scores twelve points, Stefanski scores two crucial points, and Shuttlesworth drives hard and gets two easy points.

The current score is 64-60, with Hazelwood trailing by four points. There is 1:04 remaining in the game.

The game has seen momentum shifts with Jackson and Hazelwood making significant plays to close the gap. Mills and Shuttlesworth have contributed crucial points, and Jackson's steals and drives have been pivotal in Hazelwood's comeback.

The outcome of the game hangs in the balance with Hazelwood trailing by four points and just over a minute left. Both teams may employ defensive strategies to secure possessions and offensive tactics to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The student feels pressured to be a straight-A student but struggles to meet those expectations, leading to frustration and resentment.

The student feels undervalued by his teachers, who underestimate his academic abilities and make disparaging remarks. He pretends to be unintelligent to avoid scrutiny.

The student finds little support from school counselors, who seem more focused on scheduling than addressing students' needs. He recounts a discouraging encounter with a counselor who dissuaded him from pursuing pre-law due to his athletic potential.

The student expresses frustration with the assumption that he is a 'stupid black kid,' leading him to pretend to be unintelligent to avoid scrutiny.

The student feels that his father's speeches don't resonate with him and that they never have meaningful conversations.

The student shares his experience of achieving an A on a math test, only to be ridiculed by the teacher and classmates, causing him anger and frustration.

The student's parents don't physically abuse him, but he feels they don't understand him either.

The student describes the resentment towards a high-achieving classmate, Marcus, who is disliked for his academic success.

The student finds little support from school counselors, who seem more focused on scheduling than addressing students' needs, impacting his aspirations.

The student feels that his efforts to excel academically are met with ridicule rather than praise, even from some black teachers.

Feeling undervalued by teachers and classmates leads to anger, frustration, and a sense of being misunderstood for the student.

The student feels that his father's speeches don't resonate with him and that they never have meaningful conversations, impacting their relationship.

Andy expresses guilt and remorse over his friend Rob's death in a car accident.

He shares his experiences of returning to school and facing negative reactions from peers.

Andy discusses his love for basketball and his coach's support.

He reveals his frustration with his parents' lack of understanding and their involvement in social activities.

Andy's mother's outdated language and interest in oldies music are mentioned.

Andy's father's involvement in the Republican party and lack of attention to Andy's basketball games are highlighted.

Andy expresses his disappointment in his father's lack of interest in his life.

He shares a close bond with his little brother, Monty, but worries about his future.

Andy's reluctance to ask his father questions and his avoidance of conflict is revealed.

Andy's feelings of being misunderstood and neglected by his parents are emphasized.

The complex dynamics and strained relationships within Andy's family are highlighted.

He shares a close bond with his little brother, Monty, but worries about his future.

Andy experiences emotional distress and feels unsupported by his parents, leading to a sense of disappointment and turmoil.

Andy confides in his coach about feeling unsupported by his parents.

Dr. Carrothers is a psychologist who discusses Andy's background and aims to help Andy help himself by encouraging him to share his thoughts and emotions.

The text emphasizes the internal struggle faced by Andy and the importance of seeking emotional support, highlighting the complexities of his emotions and the value of seeking professional help.

Andy initially denies the need for counseling, claiming that everything is fine.

Andy's visit to Dr. Carrothers highlights the importance of seeking professional help and the potential for relief through expression of thoughts and emotions.

Andy's game-winning three-pointer leads to a jubilant celebration after Hazelwood wins a high school basketball game 65-64 against Covedale in a thrilling finish.

Andy expresses his confusion and emotional turmoil following a traumatic event, highlighting the internal struggle he is experiencing.

The coach acknowledges Andy's struggles and praises his performance and influence on the team, demonstrating support and understanding.

Andy's parents have requested counseling due to concerns about the impact of a car accident on Andy, prompting the need for professional help and support.

The dialogue between Andy and Dr. Carrothers highlights the complexities of Andy's emotions and the value of seeking professional help in addressing his emotional struggles.

The text emphasizes the internal struggle faced by Andy, the importance of seeking emotional support, and the potential for relief through professional help and expression of emotions.

Andy struggles with personal and family issues, feeling overshadowed by his younger brother Monty, which affects his academic performance and emotional well-being.

Andy finds solace in basketball and excels, averaging seventeen points per game. Taking over his late friend Rob's position as center brings conflicting emotions of pride and guilt due to the responsibility and the memory of his friend.

Andy's academic performance is slipping, and he feels pressure from his parents to improve his grades. Despite his efforts, he feels frustrated and misunderstood by his parents.

Andy's interactions with Keisha reveal his desire for companionship and his struggle to balance personal relationships with his academic responsibilities. Keisha's inability to spend time with Andy adds to his emotional burden.

Andy's conversation with his friends shows a lack of academic motivation and preparedness for upcoming tests and quizzes, indicating his academic struggles.

Andy expresses feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet his parents' expectations academically, despite his efforts, which leads to feelings of being misunderstood and unsupported.

The text depicts Andy's internal and external conflicts as he navigates through personal and academic challenges, highlighting his emotional struggles and the pressure he faces from various aspects of his life.

Basketball serves as a source of solace for Andy, and excelling in the sport brings him conflicting emotions of pride and guilt. It also serves as an outlet for him to express himself and cope with his personal and academic challenges.

Andy expresses frustration with his parents, who constantly pressure him to do better in school, despite his efforts, leading to feelings of being misunderstood and unsupported.

Andy faces personal and academic challenges, including feeling overshadowed by his younger brother, struggling to balance personal relationships with academic responsibilities, and feeling pressure to improve his grades. These challenges impact his emotional well-being and academic performance.

Taking over Rob's position on the team brings conflicting emotions of pride and guilt for Andy, as he excels in the role but also struggles with the weight of the responsibility and the memory of his friend.

Andy's second visit with the psychologist highlights his declining academic performance and the pressure he feels from his parents to excel in school, adding to his emotional burden and feelings of being misunderstood and unsupported.

The tradition of Rob's mother calling Andy to pick up his 'rock' every Christmas was a symbol of their close bond and a playful way of expressing love and care. It created a special moment of connection and joy between them, emphasizing the importance of their relationship.

Keisha provides comfort to Andy by leaning her head on his shoulder and singing 'Silent Night' quietly. Her actions help to soothe Andy and bring a sense of peace and relaxation to him during a moment of emotional turmoil.

Andy experiences conflicting emotions and thoughts after the phone call, feeling both upset about the disruption of a special moment and starting to dwell on the pain in his life. This reflects his internal struggles and contributes to a sense of emotional turmoil.

The tradition of singing 'Silent Night' with Keisha contributes to Andy's emotional well-being by helping him relax and find solace in the peaceful moment, providing a sense of comfort and tranquility.

They discuss their fears before going to sleep.

Andy has a phone conversation with Keisha about their feelings and worries.

Andy shares his bleak vision of the future and Keisha's potential success.

Andy has a strange dream about his deceased friend, Roberto.

Roberto asks Andy to join him in heaven.

Monty comforts Andy after he wakes up from a nightmare.

Andy accepts Monty's offer of a toy for comfort.

wearing red was illegal in Puritan England

Teacher explains societal influence on positive or negative associations with colors

negative racial stereotypes

Robbie's death

Psychologist encourages Andy to consider contacting Robbie's parents

a better world with diminishing stereotypes

symbolism of colors in literature

color metaphors used in language

his depression and feeling 'out of touch' with reality

reach out to Robbie's parents

racial biases and stereotypes

deceased friend, Robbie, and his well-being

Andy describes feeling hypnotized by rushing cars on a freeway overpass and wanting to jump, admitting to thinking about death all the time, and feeling like being dead is the only way he'll feel alive again.

The therapist reassures Andy that it's normal to think about death after experiencing a traumatic event.

The therapist suggests talking to his friend's parents, writing a letter to his friend, and talking to other kids about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Andy promises the therapist that he would call before harming himself if he got too depressed.

The therapist asks Andy to write a letter to his friend or his friend's parents.

Andy and Monty talk about dreaming in color or black and white, and Andy confirms having bad dreams about monsters and robbers.

Andy says he feels a little better after talking about his feelings with the therapist.

Andy expresses his remorse and desire to help Rob's parents remember the good memories by acknowledging that no words can cover the awfulness of what happened, expressing his wish to trade places with Rob, and choosing to write a letter to help them remember the good stuff instead of repeatedly apologizing.

Andy's letter reveals his emotional turmoil through his heartfelt apology and his sense of responsibility as he grapples with the weight of causing Rob's death and expresses his desire to make amends by helping Rob's parents remember the good memories.

Andy uses his letter to cope with the guilt and grief he feels after the tragic event by expressing his deep remorse, acknowledging his responsibility, and attempting to channel his feelings into helping Rob's parents remember the positive memories shared with their son.

The updates included the Pledge of Allegiance, thanks for canned food donations, SAT score pickup, college plan forms due, and talent show tryouts.

Andy Jackson and Tyrone Mills, with twenty points each.

Girls interested in joining the Lady Tigers Track Team were invited to sign up for indoor practice in the gym office.

They discussed the snowfall, with Keisha calling Andy to inform about the snow.

Andy complained about the snow, while Keisha found it pretty and shiny, seeing the bright side of things.

The poem focused on the contrast between black thoughts and white snow.

Gerald related to the poem and felt overwhelmed by the ubiquitous 'white' in his life.

Keisha expressed her liking for the poem.

The conversation ended with a discussion about the depth of understanding shown by Gerald about the poem's larger ideas.

The important school updates included SAT score pickup and talent show tryouts.

The significant victory was with Andy Jackson and Tyrone Mills leading the team.

The conversation revolved around the snowfall, Ms. Blackwell's poem, and its implications on their lives.

The conversation reveals racial biases and stereotypes through the characters' contrasting perceptions of Andy and his peers. For example, the statement 'Black kids are tough' reflects a stereotype about black individuals being resilient and able to withstand hardship. Another example is the assumption that 'A white kid would have cracked under the pressure that Andy went through,' which implies a racial bias in expectations of how different races handle adversity.

The characters' language and attitudes contribute to the portrayal of resilience and emotional vulnerability in the text. The conversation reflects societal attitudes towards mental health and emotional well-being by showcasing the dismissive attitude towards the emotional impact of traumatic experiences, particularly for black individuals like Andy. Additionally, the conversation highlights gendered expectations of emotional expression, as seen in the contrasting perceptions of Andy and the black boys' ability to handle adversity compared to the emotional struggles of Robbie Washington. These attitudes perpetuate harmful stereotypes and downplay the complex emotional experiences of individuals.

The conversation illustrates the intersection of race, trauma, and resilience by showcasing the characters' perceptions of Andy and his peers in the context of their racial identities. The contrasting attitudes towards Andy's resilience and emotional well-being compared to his peers' experiences reflect broader societal narratives about race and trauma, where black individuals are often expected to be resilient in the face of adversity, while the emotional impact of trauma on black youth is downplayed or dismissed. This intersectionality reveals the complex dynamics of race, trauma, and resilience within the characters' perceptions.

The conversation sheds light on the emotional experiences and coping mechanisms of the characters by highlighting their contrasting responses to trauma and adversity. The characters' perceptions of resilience, vulnerability, and coping strategies are evident through their discussions about Andy's ability to joke and make others laugh despite his traumatic experiences, as well as their contrasting attitudes towards the emotional struggles of other black students. This analysis reveals the complex ways in which the characters navigate trauma and resilience within the context of their racial identities and societal expectations.

Andrew's grades and lack of ambition

E.J. Jackson had high hopes for Andrew, including attending college and playing professional basketball

Ezekiel Jeremiah Jackson, but he preferred to go by E.J.

E.J. Jackson wanted to give Andrew a name to be proud of and didn't want him to have to shorten or lighten it

The conversation highlights the complex relationship between father and son, their struggles, and the weight of expectations

Andrew questions why his father always calls him 'Andrew' instead of 'Andy' like everyone else

E.J. Jackson emphasizes that Andrew should be at the top of his class, earning respect and admiration as E.J. Jackson's son

Andrew expresses his feelings of not being special, despite his father's high expectations

E.J. Jackson's determination to make Andrew special stems from his own experiences and aspirations

E.J. Jackson reveals his own struggles with his name and how he was determined to give Andrew a name to be proud of

Andrew feels the weight of his father's expectations and struggles with his own identity

The main theme of the conversation is the father's aspirations for his son and the weight of expectations

The central themes in the text are love, loss, and emotional struggles. These themes influence the characters' behavior and relationships, showcasing the challenges they face in dealing with these emotions.

The talent show serves as a backdrop for the characters' emotional turmoil, highlighting the contrast between their public personas and private struggles. It showcases how they cope with their emotions in a public setting.

The text offers a glimpse into the complexities of high school relationships, including the challenges of emotional support, fear of vulnerability, and the impact of personal trauma. It portrays how these elements influence the characters' interactions and emotions.

Keisha and Rhonda notice that Andy's performance at the talent show contrasts with his real emotions, as he doesn't smile while performing. This observation sheds light on his internal struggles and the complexity of their relationship with him.

The talent show becomes a source of drama and tension among the characters, reflecting their complex relationships and emotions. It highlights the underlying conflicts and challenges they face in their interactions.

The text consists of diary entries, letters, and dialogue, providing insight into the characters' inner thoughts and conflicts. These literary devices offer a glimpse into the characters' emotions and dilemmas.

Andy uses humor and performance to cope with his emotions during the talent show. However, his behavior is met with mixed reactions from others.

Keisha has been dating Andy for five months, but she finds it challenging to deal with his emotional needs and struggles after a traumatic event. This presents a challenge in their relationship.

Rhonda is unsure about her feelings for Tyrone, and she expresses her fear of getting hurt if she allows herself to love him. This fear influences her approach to their relationship.

Tyrone reassures Rhonda of his love for her in a brief and straightforward response. This demonstrates his commitment and affection towards her.

The central themes are love, loss, and emotional struggles, which influence the characters' behavior and relationships. These themes shape their interactions and emotional experiences.

The school talent show serves as a platform to portray the characters' emotions and the conflicts within their relationships. It showcases how they express and cope with their emotions in a public setting.

Andy and Keisha broke up at the Talent Show where Andy, the Master of Ceremonies, announced that Keisha's act was canceled after they fought backstage. This breakup added to Andy's emotional struggles and internal conflicts.

Andy's father confronted him about failing multiple subjects and failing gym due to losing his shoes. This conversation left Andy feeling defeated and frustrated, realizing the extent of his academic struggles and added to his emotional turmoil.

The text mentions Andy's breakup with Keisha, missed opportunities with basketball scouts, and academic struggles as setbacks and challenges in Andy's life.

The text provides insight into Andy's personal and emotional life by highlighting the strained relationship between Andy and his father, as well as his internal conflicts and emotional turmoil.

Andy's aspirations include considering basketball scholarships and looking at colleges, but his struggles in academics and sports lead to emotional struggles and feeling defeated.

Keisha expressed relief at the breakup, feeling tired of nursing Andy through his emotional struggles, which played a role in her decision to end the relationship.

Andy missing the opportunity to meet basketball scouts left him feeling dejected and blaming his father, contributing to his emotional struggles.

Andy's academic failures and his father's disappointment added to his emotional struggles, leaving him feeling like he didn't need college, basketball, or anything.

The text portrays a series of challenges and setbacks in Andy's life, revealing the impact of these struggles on his emotional journey.

The text highlights Andy's internal conflicts and emotional turmoil, illustrating the complexity of his personal and emotional life.

Andy's emotional struggles left him feeling like he didn't need college, basketball, or anything, impacting his aspirations and life goals.

The text provides insight into the challenges Andy faces in balancing personal relationships and academic responsibilities, illustrating the impact of these struggles on his life.

Andy and his mother argue over Keisha and Andy's emotional state. Andy confides in his mother about his feelings of guilt and despair over a past traumatic incident. Andy feels alone in his pain and struggles to cope despite his mother's attempts to comfort him.

Andy shares a childhood incident where he almost drowned, likening it to his current emotional state. He compares his emotional distress to feeling like drowning in an ocean, highlighting his sense of helplessness.

Andy considers reaching out to Carrothers for help, but ultimately decides to handle his problems alone.

The conversation between Andy and his mother reveals the depth of Andy's pain and his struggle to find solace, capturing the complex dynamics of family relationships and the deep emotional turmoil experienced by Andy.

Andy's mother's physical pain is juxtaposed with Andy's emotional pain, highlighting the depth of his turmoil.

The exchange between Rhonda and Saundra is briefly mentioned, leaving the reader curious about the content of the letter.

The text captures the complex dynamics of family relationships and the deep emotional turmoil experienced by Andy.

Andy feels that his situation is different and more overwhelming, despite his mother's attempts to reassure him that he will overcome his current struggles.

Andy ultimately decides to handle his problems alone, choosing not to reach out to Carrothers for help.

Andy shares a childhood incident where he almost drowned, likening it to his current emotional state, emphasizing the depth of his emotional distress.

Andy's mother tries to comfort him, but Andy feels alone in his pain and is struggling to cope.

The conversation between Andy and his mother reveals the depth of Andy's pain and his struggle to find solace, capturing the complex dynamics of family relationships and the deep emotional turmoil experienced by Andy.