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Selectio n Rev iew # 1
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
P ro lo g u e an d Ch ap ter s 1 - 3
1. What is the setting of this novel? Describe each of the four main characters. This novel is
set in an urban area in the 1970s. The narrator, Francis, also known as “Stuff,” just moved to
W. 116th Street. He makes three new friends right away. Clyde is a calm, thoughtful boy who
is a natural leader. Fast Sam is an excitable boy who likes to talk a lot but who can also be a
faithful, caring friend. Gloria is a girl who likes to “put people down” jokingly, but who is usually also friendly and funny. At twelve and a half, Stuff is the youngest member of the group.
At first he lies, telling the others he can “stuff” a basketball so they will accept him. However,
he is a thoughtful, caring person who likes to understand how his friends are feeling. Like
Clyde, he doesn’t want to be involved in fighting or gangs.
2. Why do Binky and Robin fight? Why is the rest of the group arrested and put in jail? Binky
and Robin fight because they both like the same girl. At the end of the fight, Robin bites off
part of Binky’s ear. The young people rush to the emergency room together because Clyde says
that maybe a doctor could put the ear back on. They make so much noise that the hospital
staff calls the police. The teens are not released until they explain to a sergeant why they came
to the hospital. Unfortunately, it is too late to sew the ear on.
3. How does Clyde feel after his father’s death? How does Sam help him? After his father’s
death, Clyde feels very depressed. He feels heavy and tired all the time. He feels guilty because he did not have a chance to tell his father how much he loved and respected him before
he died. Sam tells him that there is nothing he could have done differently. He tells him that
by living in a way that would make his father proud, he can show his love and respect. Sam
encourages Clyde to think about the future. He says that Clyde is intelligent enough to be enrolled in a college preparation course. He encourages Clyde to switch to this kind of course.
4. Explain why Sam and Clyde enter the dance contest as a couple. What happens to ruin
their plan? Sam and Clyde enter the dance contest as a couple because they want someone
from their block to win the contest and the fifty-dollar prize. They are the two best dancers
on the block. Gloria is also a good dancer. However, she seems to be angry and upset with
them, and refuses to be in the contest. Since neither of them can find a girl to be his partner, Clyde and Sam decide to enter the contest as a couple. Clyde dresses up as a girl. Sam
and Clyde dance very well and win the contest. However, during the victory dance a guy tries
to kiss Clyde, thinking he is a girl. Clyde becomes so upset that he takes off his wig and
punches the guy. The announcer disqualifies Clyde and Sam, and takes the prize away from
them.
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5. Why does Stuff have a special feeling about his friends on 116th Street? Give an example.
Stuff has a special feeling about these friends because he got to know them well enough to
understand and share their feelings. For example, he shared in Clyde’s grief after his dad
died. He saw how Sam, who usually acted crazy, became thoughtful and serious in order to
encourage Clyde at that time. Stuff was surprised that he could even cry with Sam and Clyde
without feeling ashamed.
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Selectio n Rev iew #2
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
C h a p te r s 4 - 7
1. How do Stuff, Clyde, and Sam find out what is bothering Gloria? How does Gloria feel about
this situation? The boys find out about Gloria’s problem because they are there when her
father leaves home. Gloria’s father and mother scream at each other. Her father slaps her
mother. Gloria is angry and upset about her family situation. She is also ashamed that the
whole neighborhood saw her parents fighting.
2. How does Clyde suggest that the friends should respond to Gloria’s problem? Where does
Clyde say this idea came from? Clyde suggests that the friends should go to Gloria and tell
her they care about her problem. This would be more helpful than just gossiping about it
among themselves. Clyde says he got this idea from the way Sam helped him and encouraged
him when he was upset about his father’s death.
3. Compare and contrast the 116th Street Good People with other neighborhood clubs and
gangs for young people. How does the club members’ concern help Gloria cope with her
problem? Like other clubs, the 116th Street Good People try to help and protect each other.
However, they do not protect one another from other gangs by fighting. Instead, the Good People
try to help each other deal with their troubles. They plan to encourage each other and show
that they care about each other. Some clubs allow only certain people to become members.
However, anyone who accepts the goals can join the Good People. Her friends’ concern helps
Gloria to talk about what has happened. She is able to share her feelings, especially her
feelings toward her father.
4. Clyde’s mother thinks his father’s example in learning to play the trombone will help Clyde
when he receives a bad report card. Why? Do you think she is right? Why or why not?
Clyde’s mother thinks his father’s trombone playing will be helpful to him because in some
ways the two situations are similar. Clyde found that the academic course was harder than he
expected. In the same way, his father found that playing the trombone was harder than he
expected. Clyde’s teachers and advisors discouraged him from going on. Similarly, the neighbor
lady discouraged his father, saying that he could not play. However, Clyde’s father kept trying.
Eventually his hard work paid off; he learned to play. Clyde’s mother is probably right in telling
him this story. The story encourages Clyde to keep trying. He wants to show everyone that he
can succeed.
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5. Why is the boys’ second arrest ironic? What challenges facing urban young people does
the author highlight? The boys’ second arrest is ironic because they tried to help catch two
thieves. They got a lady’s purse back for her. However, the lady and the policemen thought
the boys were the thieves and arrested them. It is ironic that a good deed led the boys to be
arrested as criminals. The author shows us that it is hard for young people to succeed when
everyone expects the worst of them. For example, Clyde’s teachers do not think he can handle
the academic course. Similarly, the lady and the policemen assume the boys are thieves and
liars, even when they are trying to help.
6. How does Stuff try to impress Susan? Why is this ironic? Stuff tries to impress Susan by
talking about soul kissing as if he were experienced. However, he has never really soul kissed.
When Susan asks him to soul kiss her, he cannot back down. This is one irony. Another irony
is that Stuff soul kisses Susan only a week after deciding that he is definitely “in love” with
Kitty Jones. Finally, Stuff tries to impress Susan by showing her a karate move. Ironically,
however, he only succeeds in hurting his foot. He has to go to the hospital, which is not at all
impressive or “cool.”
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Selectio n Rev iew # 3
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
C h a p ter s 8 - 10
1. How do Kitty and Clyde react when their mother goes out on a date? How do their reactions
differ after their mother explains her feelings to them? Kitty and Clyde become very upset
when their mother goes out on a date. They do not want another man to take their father’s
place. Kitty even leaves a note for Clyde, saying that she is running away from home. However,
she really just hides on the roof of the building. When their mother comes home, she talks to
them. She explains that she is not trying to replace their father. She is just tired of being lonely
all the time. Clyde understands in his mind that his mother has a right to go out. However, he
still has trouble accepting it emotionally. Kitty does not accept her mother’s explanation. Even
when her mother goes out again a year later, she is still very upset.
2. Why does Sam become angry when Chalky goes to visit Gloria? What is ironic about Sam’s
reaction when he finds out that Gloria did not do anything with Chalky? Sam is angry when
Chalky goes to see Gloria because Chalky wants Gloria to have sex with him. Sam is angry
that Chalky is treating Gloria as a sex object. Sam is also jealous because he likes Gloria. He
does not want her to have sex with someone else. When Sam learns that Gloria did not do
anything with Chalky, he is relieved. He begins to wonder whether Gloria would have sex with
him. This is ironic because Sam is being just as selfish as Chalky. He wants to use Gloria for
his own pleasure. He is not thinking of what Gloria wants or what would be best for her.
3. Why do the girls object to the way the boys approach the topic of sex? When the boys talk
about sex, they keep using euphemisms (indirect expressions), such as “you-know” or “get
some.” The girls are not happy about this. They think that if the boys want to talk about sex
they should call it by its name. Also, the boys talk about sex as if it were something that only
guys actually do. They seem to imply that girls are just handy objects that guys can use for
their pleasure. The girls want the boys to recognize that both partners take an active role in
having sex.
4. Several different points of view are expressed about when it is appropriate to have sex.
What are they? Also, give reasons for each position. In the discussion about sex, various
points of view are expressed. These are:
Sam (at first) thinks it is okay to have casual sex. He says the desire for sex is a natural biological urge for guys.
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Gloria and Clyde: say a guy and a girl should think carefully before having sex. Clyde does not
think a guy should take a chance on making a girl pregnant unless they plan to marry. Also,
either partner could catch a sexually transmitted disease. Gloria says that sex has a deep
emotional meaning for girls. They are hurt when guys do not take it as seriously as they do.
B.B. and Maria: think people should only have sex when they are married. Sex outside of
marriage leads to unplanned pregnancies. Girls who become pregnant often suffer shame
and rejection and may have to go on welfare or marry the guy even if they don’t want to. Also,
teenagers who have sex may catch serious diseases with long-term consequences.
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Selectio n Rev iew # 4
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
C h a p ter s 11 - 13 an d E p i l ogue
1. Describe the mood of the party the boys attend on 118th Street. What disturbing discovery do they make concerning Carnation Charlie? The mood of the party on 118th Street is
dark and somber. Many things are happening that the boys know they should not participate
in. The room is filled with cigarette smoke. The boys are offered wine and beer to drink. The
girls at the party dance as close to the boys as they can, stimulating them sexually. Many of
the guests are smoking or high on drugs or both. The boys are disturbed to find Carnation
Charlie in a back room. He is in a daze from taking drugs. He seems very different from the
Carnation Charlie that they knew before.
2. Why is Clyde unable to help Charlie with his drug problem? Why are Stuff and his friends
afraid to try to help Charlie? Clyde cannot help Charlie first of all because Charlie does not
want help. He refuses to admit he has a problem. He threatens Clyde and tells him to leave
him alone. The young people are also afraid to become involved with Charlie and his problem
because they do not want the drug pushers to become angry with them. They know that their
lives could be in danger if they oppose the pushers.
3. Explain how the author makes the story of the boys’ “errand” for Carnation Charlie so
suspenseful. The boys are asked to bring a package from Charlie’s house to the address
where the party was held. This story is suspenseful from the start because they do not know
what is in the package. Also, they are told that Charlie could get hurt if they do not bring it.
When they arrive with the package, Charlie is so sick from drugs that there is the suspense
of wondering whether he will die or not. The people in the house are tough, and one carries
a gun, so we wonder if the boys will be hurt. The package contains drug packets, and one
guy puts packets into Stuff’s and Clyde’s pockets. This creates the suspense of wondering
whether they will be in trouble. After the friends help Charlie recover, they go home, but policemen come to arrest them, creating more suspense. Finally, there is suspense because
Stuff cannot find the packet of drugs to give the policeman. So many dangerous things occur
that we have to keep reading to see what will happen.
4. How does Stuff’s dad show his support in this frightening situation? What does Stuff begin
to realize about his dad by the end of the book? Stuff’s dad shows his support by going with
him to the police station. He puts his arm around him and says he will be on his side, no matter
what. Stuff is often annoyed by his dad’s lectures. However, he knows that his dad is trying
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to help him. At the end of the book, Stuff’s dad gives him a flute. Stuff realizes that his dad
cares a lot about him. However, he is embarrassed to put his love into words. His long lectures
are a way to try to let Stuff know that he cares.
5. List the good things and bad things that happen at the end of the school year. Why does
Stuff feel that he has grown much older all of a sudden? At the end of the school year, the
116th Street recreation center team wins the championship game. Clyde earns good grades
on his report card. Sam receives an unexpected scholarship to attend the University of Arizona
and play baseball. However, in the middle of the celebration, Gloria feels upset. She misses
her father and wishes he would come home. A few days later, the students learn that Carnation
Charlie was shot running away from police after an attempted robbery. Charlie’s death makes
the students realize that they, too, could die at a young age. Stuff begins to think about death
and what it means. He feels as if he has grown much older because he is beginning to realize
how complicated life can be.
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Name:
L itera tu r e Te st # 1
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
Prolog u e a n d Cha pter s 1 - 3
1. In the chart below, describe the setting of this novel. Then list the four main characters and
provide some information about each of them.
Setting of the Novel:
Main Characters
Information about Characters
2. Explain why the friends were put in jail. Why does Stuff blame Clyde and “modern science” for
sending them to jail?
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3. What does Sam think Clyde should do to show his love and respect for his father after his
father’s death? What does Stuff learn about his new friends from listening to their conversation?
4. How do Sam and Clyde solve the problem of not having girls to take to the dance competition?
Why are they disqualified after winning the prize?
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Name:
L itera tu r e Te st # 2
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
Ch ap te r s 4 - 7
1. Why has Gloria been acting so strangely? How do her friends help her to open up about her
problems?
2. List some similarities between Clyde’s struggle to succeed academically and his father’s struggle to learn to play the trombone. What decision does Clyde make about his school situation?
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3. What is irony? What is the ironic result when the boys try to catch two thieves?
4. List two ways that Stuff tries to impress Susan. What are the ironic consequences of each of
these?
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Name:
L itera tu r e Te st # 3
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
Ch ap te r s 8 - 10
1. What problem do the friends try to help Kitty and Clyde with on the roof of the building? Are
they successful? Explain.
2. Why does Chalky’s attitude toward Gloria make Sam angry? What is ironic about Sam’s own
attitude toward Gloria?
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3. The girls show that they think the boys are approaching the topic of sex in the wrong way. What
two things do the girls want to make clear before the discussion begins?
4. List at least three reasons the friends give for avoiding casual sex.
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Name:
L itera tu r e Te st # 4
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
C h a p ter s 11 - 13 an d E p i l ogue
1. What do Sam, Clyde, and Stuff learn about Carnation Charlie? How does Clyde try to help
Charlie? Why is this attempt unsuccessful?
2. Clyde and Stuff’s “errand” for Carnation Charlie leads them into a very frightening and suspenseful evening. List at least three reasons why their evening is a suspenseful one.
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3. What does Stuff realize about his dad in this section of the novel? Give examples to support
this.
4. What is the “good news” that the friends decide they have to celebrate at the end of the
school year? Why does Gloria find it hard to join in the celebration? What other tragic event
leads Stuff to feel that he has grown much older very fast?
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Name:
Vocab u la r y Tes t
Fa st Sa m, Cool Cl y d e, a n d Stuf f
WRITE MEANINGFUL SENTENCES FOR THE FOLLOWING WORDS:
hoard
blasé
nonchalant
primitive
bashful
decoy
valiant
sheepish
qualification
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