Writing Prompts

• 1. Jamal mentions that his uncle first got him into BMX when he lived in Yemen. Pretend you are Jamal and write a letter to your uncle, telling him how the bike he gave you shaped your life. Include details about life in the Bronx and how BMX has helped you.
• 2. Why do you think Devon’s father was so determined to have his son play basketball? Write a list of possible reasons, using specific examples from the story to support your argument.
• 3. Why do you think basketball is so big in Devon’s neighborhood, the Bronx? Make a list of reasons, using facts from the story and outside research to help you.