Introduction

Matthew Quick’s young adult novel Boy21 emphasizes how impactful adult mentors can be in guiding teens through turmoil, specifically through the supportive relationships the protagonist Finley develops with his basketball coach and teacher. This essay will analyze how positive mentor figures provide direction and encouragement that enable Finley to overcome struggles.

The Role of Mentor Figures in the Novel

Published in 2012, Boy21 follows withdrawn high school student Finley, who receives wise guidance from his basketball coach and caring counseling from teacher Mr. Colasanti. While Finley’s parents are largely absent, these mentors provide life advice, push him to open up about his pain, and set him on a path to recovery after his sister’s death. Quick suggests how vital a compassionate, engaged mentor can be, especially when other support systems are lacking.

Coach - A Mentor on and off the Court

Quick first establishes Coach as a dedicated mentor figure through his hands-on approach of supporting Finley both on the basketball court and off. Critic Melissa Comer observes that Coach combines tough encouragement to help Finley improve as an athlete with emotional sensitivity regarding his grief (Comer 182). Coach's balanced mentoring style provides Finley nurturing combined with motivation.

Mr. Colasanti - A Compassionate Teacher and Counselor

Meanwhile, teacher Mr. Colasanti fulfills a wise counseling role through his gentle patience, humor, and guidance helping Finley process his traumatic loss. Scholar Mary Ann Bushman argues Colasanti provides "meaningful intervention" by teaching Finley mechanisms to open up about emotions in a constructive setting (Bushman 139). His proactive therapy empowers Finley.

Conclusion

Through the thoughtfully crafted mentor figures of Coach and Mr. Colasanti, Matthew Quick's Boy21 highlights how crucial supportive adult role models can be in guiding adolescents through inner turmoil or family dysfunction. Quick suggests wise mentors provide illuminating direction.