Young Adult Book Reading Challenges discussion

What do you think about Arnold's two best friends, Rowdy and Gordy?

While two extreme opposites, they both serve an important purpose in Arnold's life.

Which would you want for your friend?

I just loved Gordy. The way he talked, the kind of friend he was to Junior... and I loved the way Junior talked about him, too.

Rowdy was difficult for me to understand (in terms of the friendship), though I was so happy with the way Alexie had him explain himself to Junior on the basketball court at the end of the book.

If I had to choose, though, I'd want Gordy... because he was forward-looking, encouraging and challenging at the same time. Rowdy was a protector, but he also would have held Junior back if given the chance.

Gordy and Rowdy help Junior understand and survive both of his worlds. Even though I think Rowdy is hard to understand, Junior wouldn't be the same person without both Rowdy and Gordy as best friends.

Gordy would be more likely to be my friend, but that's only because I didn't grow up in the same world as Junior.

Myself I would want Gordy to be my friend. It is nice to be able to share common interests with people. Rowdy sounds more to me like one of those friends you have in high school and you grow out of them. I think the young Junior liked Rowdy but sometimes when you move on it is hard to be friends with people who resent it instead of celebrate it with you.