The Beatles got by with a little help from their friends, and we definitely do, too. There's no one quite like a friend, you know? In Bronx Masquerade, the kids in Mr. Ward's class need friends to get through the day. Whether they're navigating the mean-spirited ways of other kids or trouble at home, knowing someone understands them and has their back goes a long way. Good thing there are so many solid friend options keeping seats warm in Mr. Ward's class.
Questions About Friendship
- How does friendship make life a whole lot more bearable for these high school students? Pick three different students to use as examples. What patterns do you notice?
- Are there any examples of toxic friendships in this book? What do these look like and how do they affect people?
- Which is more important—a strong family or a strong friendship? Back your answer up with evidence from the text.
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
In this book, friendships are formed around subtle connections instead of obvious ones.
Unlike family, friendship is portrayed almost entirely as a positive and affirming thing.