Not Nothing

How does Alex initially feel about the concept of fairness? How do the experiences he has through the summer teach him to move beyond the idea of fairness into justice instead?

What is the role of hate crimes in the novel, in both the past and present episodes? How does the novel expose the nature and impact of hatred?

Why does Josey feel that sewing saved his life not just once, but many times? What is the underlying message behind this fact?

Alex learns to bond both with people his own age, like Maya-Jade, and with his elders, like Josey. How do these bonds illuminate key characteristics of a strong friendship? What do these friendships teach Alex about interpersonal dynamics more generally?

How do key settings such as Shady Glen or 1930s Poland influence the characters’ actions and thoughts?

Why does Josey tell his story in pieces, instead of all at once? How does the telling of the story parallel Alex’s personal growth arc?

Not Nothing touches on some serious topics, such as mental illness and historical crimes like the Holocaust. What literary techniques and storytelling choices does author Gayle Forman use to make these subjects accessible and age-appropriate for her target audience of middle-grade readers?

Analyze Maya-Jade’s role in the novel. How is she characterized? What is her wider significance in the text?