24 Hours In Nowhere

Consider the different family structures present in the novel. How are families organized? How does Bowling suggest that friends similarly count as family?

Compare and contrast the characters’ relationships at the beginning and end of the novel. How do these relationships evolve? You might consider Conquering Challenges Through Cooperation in your response.

Rossi, a member of the Tohono O’odham tribe, and Jessie, a Mexican American, are the novel’s identifiable characters of color. How does Bowling characterize Rossi’s and Jessie’s relationships to their respective cultures? How do other characters, like Bo and Matthew, perpetuate racist ideas?

Consider the last scene of the novel, when the group enjoys free popsicles from Mayor Handsome. How does this scene explore Escaping Oppressive Circumstances?

Analyze the novel’s approach to free will. In what ways are the characters in control of their own destiny? In what ways are they still limited by outside forces? Consider Transcending Family History in your response.

Chart the evolution of the Dufort and Navarro legend. How does the characters’ journey affect their understanding of the popular story?

In many ways, Bo is a conventional bully, serving as the novel’s primary antagonist. How does Bowling complicate Bo’s character? Are there any ways in which he’s sympathetic?

Consider the importance of dirt biking. How does racing inform the characters’ identities? How does racing forward the novel’s main conflicts?