Which character did you like best? Which character did you most identify with? (These two questions may have the same answer, but not necessarily.)
I liked James the best and probably identified the most with him as well. I think over all this book is more James’s story anyway.
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I liked and identified with James the most. I was bullied in school, love my dogs, and was a model student like James.
I had great empathy for James. He was trying so hard to buck his circumstances and was sucked under by his environment.
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I so liked James’ mother (Margaret Fields). A hard-working Mom trying to make a better life for her and her son. She is trying to raise a kind, gentle son with goals of education and a better life. Moving to Oakland I feel was the downfall, there are some nice parts of Oakland but her job and money dictated how and where they lived. When Margaret visits James in prison, my heart just broke for her. She tried so hard to raise a good boy but seeing him in prison broke her heart.
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I liked James. He was a wonderful son to his mama. I loved his friendship with his dog. He saved Spike and loved him, his best friend. He did well in prison made the best he could and made some good friends.
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My favorite was James. I did like Allison but, compared to James,her story wasn’t one that made me want to get involved
My heart was with James and his mother. They were dealt a rough hand in life. I was rooting for James.
James was so likeable because he was such a good person that had a multitude of things against him. He had a good heart and even though he was overwhelmed with what Black Snake did to Spike. He had morals but such a deep connection to his dog.
From the get-go I was taken with James and his mother. He tried so hard to make through his circumstances. Moving to Oakland was the family’s downfall. His hardworking mother wanted a better lifer her and her son. She raised a good boy, but seeing him in prison I am sure lessen her life.
Like many others, I liked James and his mother. They both tried so hard to live a respectful life under dire surroundings. Mom was strong and raised a caring young man who made one life changing mistake.
I liked James’ mother best and could identify with her. I felt she wanted the best for her child always. And she supported her child regardless of what he did.
Absolutely loved James and was completely in his camp from the very first page. I also identified with his character most because my childhood was nothing like his, but I can imagine making poor decisions at that age if I had been provoked as he was. I was so pleased that some characters showed him exceptional kindness - he proved himself worthy of that.
Allison is the character I liked best for several reasons. First of all, was her bravery and eventually admitting she was gay. Second, was the realization of a “real” teacher is more than just lecturing and giving assignments. A “real” teacher gets involved with student’s lives just like she did with James.
I was drawn to James and his mother. What a relationship. I am a parent, so that might be why I identified with his mother. I truly feel most parents try to do the best they can, but so often one decision such as the need to relocate for James’ mother leads to terrible consequences.
I didn’t identify with his life, but I had deep empathy for James. He had a tough life and I admired his commitment to try and live with high morales in spite of hardships he was faced to deal with after losing his father and leaving Sacramento to face the gang life of Oakland in the 80’s