The character in the novel who is narrating.
Who is Tish?
The grade Tish is currently in.
What is 10th grade?
Means "ragged".
What is "scraggly"?
The author's way of portraying characters through their thoughts and actions.
What is Characterization?
The little boy who cries a lot.
Who is Matt?
How long dad was gone for.
What is 2 years?
Means "having false beliefs or opinions about reality".
What is "Delusional"?
Defining the similarities between two people/things.
What is compare?
This best friend is a cheater and a thief.
Who is Sandy?
The last holiday that Tish's father is around for.
What is Christmas?
Means slang word for "jerk".
What is "Skag"?
Reading between the lines to make educated guesses, usually dealing with the character's feelings or the setting/plot.
What is inference?
Is concerned about Tish and only wants her to succeed.
Who is Mrs. Dunphrey?
The way Mom leaves the children to go look for Dad.
What is tells Matt to have Tish pick up her check from Haggerty's? (He believes she went to the store for food) - leaves a note for Tish.
Means "small; unimportant".
What is "Measly"?
"I think dad is going to leave again and probably start abusing mom and Tish."
What is prediction?
His real name is Ray.
Who is Tish's Father?
Why Tish thinks Matt told his teacher that Mom left them.
What is he drew a picture of the family without Mom in it?
Means "confused".
What is "Baffled"?
"Tish spends all of her time worrying about her brother and paying the bills, while we spend time worrying about our friends and what clothes to wear."
What is contrast?