Ali Cross

Ali’s mother bends police rules to bring him information about Gabe Qualls’s disappearance. What is the information she provides, and how does it help Ali’s quest to find his friend?

Ali’s father admits that he once cried over a case. How does this reassure Ali and help him to move forward?

After their fistfight, Kahlil Weyland confronts Ali a second time. Explain how Ali’s response causes Kahlil to become confused. How does Ali’s changed attitude signal that he’s better able to handle unfairness?

Paraphrase James Baldwin’s quote about the possible. How does Nana Mama use that saying to inspire Ali? How does her pep talk fit the book’s theme about The Importance of Family and Community?

Describe how the online game Outpost helps Ali and his team locate Gabe. Explain also how the game helps Dante Qualls’s burglary outfit commit its thefts.

If Ali tells his Outpost teammates that he’s spoken with Gabe, he’ll betray his best friend; if he doesn’t, he’ll betray the friends who are trying to find Gabe. Explain why he makes the choice he does. When he finally reverses that choice, how does it work out for the better?

When Ali visits the Qualls house a second time, Dante Qualls becomes angry and steals Ali’s student ID card. Explain why each action is a mistake, and describe how they cause Dante’s downfall.

Locked into the Qualls’ pitch-dark storage unit, Ali starts to panic, but then he calms down. Describe briefly what he does to improve his situation. How do his actions demonstrate that he’s becoming a better detective?