Foul Trouble

Compare and contrast the journeys of two of the main basketball players in Foul Trouble—other than Danny and Terrell. How do the characters’ approaches to basketball indicate deeper aspects of their personalities, and how does Feinstein use gameplay to reveal their strengths and flaws?

Explore the philosophical implications of Omar Whytlaw’s injury. How does this moment influence the emotions and decisions of the other characters?

Consider the actions of various groups and people in the novel and rank the featured entities (i.e., schools and brands) from most corrupt to least corrupt. Be sure to use examples from the text to support your reasoning.

Explore Kelleher’s motivations and goals for writing an article about corruption in athletics. How does he utilize Danny and Terrell’s perspectives, and why do the two athletes commit to assisting Kelleher in his agenda?

Explore Feinstein’s portrayals of the importance of teamwork and tactics both on and off the basketball court, paying particular attention to the challenges that Terrell and Danny from opposing teams and from unscrupulous people.

Compare and contrast the offers that Terrell receives from Athena and University of Atlanta and from Mass State. How do the terms of each offer define each entity? How do Terrell’s experiences at each school reveal the problematic nature of each school’s approach to enticing athletes? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Analyze the effectiveness of Danny’s dad as a coach. How do his actions reflect his ethics and attitude, and how does he use his wisdom to influence his players’ lives?

In Chapter 15, Terrell reflects that his size and bulk are awkward for him everywhere but on the basketball court. Using this concept, explore the messages that Foul Trouble delivers about how athletics helps awkward teenagers to find a place to belong. Likewise, how does the pressure from companies such as Athena poison this hard-won sense of belonging and affect Terrell’s relationship with the game?