Module 3 Critical Thinking and Reading Journals
Carry On by Lisa Fenn
Directions: Read Lisa Fenn’s book Carry On. Write four journals and submit them on Canvas. Each journal must be at least 300 words long. The due dates are posted on Canvas and are listed in the course syllabus.
This journal will document how you are thinking about the book’s topics and how your thinking expands, changes, and is influenced over the semester. The journal is a free-form diary; it is specific to engaging in critical reflection for the purpose of growing as a college writer and reader. You can write a reading reflection based on the thoughts, feelings, observations, or connection you experienced while you read the story. If you need help thinking through what to write, you can answer two or three of the questions below for each journal. Feel free to quote meaningful passages from the book that you want to build upon. Do not simply summarize the content.
Your answers must prove to me that you have read the book; I will check for this.
What are the differences between St. Edward High School and Lincoln-West High School?
What kinds of challenges, circumstances, and obstacles do Lincoln-West students need to overcome?
How did Torry Robinson find Dartanyon?
Why is Dartanyon’s duffle bag significant? What does it signify to Coach McKinney?
How does wrestling help the student-athletes of Lincoln-West deal with the circumstances in which they live?
Describe the accident that led to the loss of Leroy’s legs. What are some of the circumstances that may have contributed to the accident?
What was Leroy’s demeanor during and in the immediate aftermath of the accident? Were you surprised by his reaction?
How did the friendship between Leroy and Dartanyon begin?
Both Coach Robinson and Leroy experience suicidal ideation. What kinds of pain and hardship are they dealing with?
For what two jobs did Lisa fill out applications? Why those two?
How did Lisa’s job interview with ESPN go? What was the variety of ways in which she stood out in it?
Did faith transform Lisa?
What qualities does Lisa possess that allowed her to fit in at ESPN?
How does Lisa learn about Leroy and Dartanyon?
How does Coach Robinson approach Lisa? What does he say to her that is so striking?
Why does Dartanyon only remember his losses? What does that say about how he views his life thus far?
What is the relationship between Dartanyon’s parents?
Why is Lisa’s father uncomfortable as she begins to build a relationship with Leroy and Dartanyon? How does Lisa feel about his concerns?
Lisa grew up “eight miles and half a world away” from Lincoln-West High School. How was her experience growing up different from that of many students at Lincoln-West? What is her father’s opinion of this divide? How does Lisa try to bridge it?
What kind of experience does Lisa have while at Dartanyon and Leroy’s school?
Why does Dartanyon resist the accommodations he is offered at school?
Why does Leroy resist talking and interacting meaningfully with Lisa? Why does he hold himself in reserve?
Describe Big Ma: what is she like? What kind of household does she run?
Do you think the attention from the Akron Beacon Journal Leroy received in the aftermath of his accident was beneficial to him?
How does Leroy’s relationship with his mother evolve over the course of his accident and recovery?
In what ways do Leroy’s and Dartanyon’s silences mirror each other? How are they similar in what they don’t communicate to others?
Why does Arthur teach Dartanyon self-defense?
How does Leroy and Dartanyon’s friendship improve morale at school? How do other people feed off their energy?
Why do you think Leroy and Dartanyon make such good friends?
In what ways has Lisa’s naiveté about the realities of Leroy and Dartanyon’s poverty been shown so far in the text?
How is Lisa’s story evolving as she tries to uncover the story of Leroy and Dartanyon?
For as much as Lisa is a person of faith, Leroy talks about how he lost most of his in the aftermath of his accident. Why does Leroy say he loses his faith?
Dartanyon and Leroy are often purposefully vague in their answers to Lisa’s questions. Do you think the boys are shielding Lisa from things she will never be able to understand?
During the weightlifting tournament, Dartanyon’s belongings were stolen, and Fenn goes about helping him replace them. In doing so, she goes entirely against the training journalists receive to maintain a distance from their subjects. Does her violation of those professional ethics bother you as a reader? Do you empathize with her actions? What do you think you would have done in her shoes?
How does Lisa start to overcome the racial and economic differences that set Leroy and Dartanyon’s lives apart from the life she had growing up?
When you learn that Dartanyon only has one photo of himself during his childhood, does that change your opinion about his childhood? Why or why not?
What is the significance of Dartanyon walking beside Leroy to get his diploma?
When it aired on ESPN, what kinds of responses did Lisa’s Carry On piece get?
What are your impressions of Lisa’s father at this point?
Speaking of the donations Leroy and Dartanyon have received to help improve their futures, Lisa says, “You have been given the gift of space and time in which to work hard so that you can create stable, productive lives for yourselves.” Why does Lisa say this kind of gift is more significant than money? Do you agree with her assessment?
When Dartanyon fills out his emergency contact information, he puts Lisa’s name down. How does he describe her relationship with him?
Why does Dartanyon begin to like judo? What abilities does he have that help him take to the sport so quickly?
What complications arise once Dartanyon starts college? How is Arthur involved?
Is Dartanyon a good fit for judo? Why or why not?
What does Lisa learn about parenthood and families while she’s involved in the lives of Leroy and Dartanyon?
How does Leroy settle into college? Is his experience different than Dartanyon’s?
Why does Dartanyon miss his eye test? How does this moment highlight complications stemming from poverty and needs that most people don’t think about?
What is Dartanyon’s call-up to the Paralympic team like?
While their lives are transitioning in different ways, both Leroy and Dartanyon have missteps. What are the similarities and differences between how each of them adapts?
In this chapter, we learn the truth behind Dartanyon’s academic struggles: he is actually far behind his peers in terms of learning level. How does his particular case highlight a larger problem within the Cleveland public school system?
In what ways are both Dartanyon and Leroy struggling in school?
How does Lisa try to help them with financial responsibility and proficiency?
In this chapter, Lisa wonders if she expected too much of the boys as she tried to help them into better futures. Do you think she did? Why or why not?
How does Lisa account for poverty in finding Leroy and Dartanyon?
What is Dartanyon’s process for qualifying for the London 2012 Paralympic games?
Why wasn’t Arthur at the Paralympic opening ceremony?
How did Leroy help Dartanyon in London? In what ways were their roles reversed from when they were in high school?
What is Dartanyon’s bronze medal match like? How does he win?
After his bronze medal win, Dartanyon says he will remember every detail, which contradicts his earlier assertion that he will not remember wins but only remember losses. What sparks the change?
How does Leroy finally get help for his PTSD? How does he feel about finally being diagnosed with it?
On page 283, Leroy says, “I think I would much rather change this world than walk on it.” How would you describe Leroy’s attitude to his disability? In what ways has it evolved from the beginning of Carry On?
What is Leroy’s father like? Is Lisa able to see past her prejudices while she talks with him?
What is Leroy’s meeting like with his father? Does it go as he expected it to?
To what does the chapter title refer? Why is it significant?
Why did Lisa’s father’s views on race evolve as the text went on? Do you think this learning experience was difficult for him?
Why does it ultimately not matter how and why Leroy and Dartanyon became friends?
Please write a short paragraph reflecting on your experience while reading this book. What did you find interesting, helpful, or relatable? What did you gain from the reading? Did you enjoy it or not so much?