Code of Honor

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2015

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Essay Topics

How does Kamran's idea of his American identity conflict with the alienation he experiences in his daily life, particularly after Darius is filmed working with al-Qaeda?

What is Kamran's definition of patriotic duty? How does it conflict with the ideas of patriotism expressed by Jeremy Vacca, the man who spray-paints the Smith’s home, and the FBI and CIA agents who interrogate Kamran?

What is the impact of Agent Mickey Hagan on Kamran’s worldview?

In what ways is Kamran forced to embrace violence, and in what ways does he denounce it? How does this connect to ideas of military service, and the violence that comes from fulfilling one's duty?

There are many codes in this novel. How do these codes symbolize the bond between the brothers?

What shifting perceptions of Islam does this novel offer the reader? Who believes what, and how does their perception of the faith influence Kamran?

In what ways does isolation fuel Kamran, and is community ultimately a positive force for him? What is the message behind Gratz’s inclusion of covert allies for Kamran?

Explore the relationship between Kamran and his youth. How does his childishness or naiveté play a pivotal role in the story? In what ways is he treated like a child by other characters, and in what ways is he forced to be an adult?

What role does loyalty play in Code of Honor? How is it complicated and questioned by various characters?

10.

What does it mean to be a “terrorist,” according to Gratz? How does Gratz complicate and humanize the identities of those who are defined with this terminology?