Comprehension
Who is the narrator of the story?
Will Holloman
Based on the rules, what does Will plan to do with Shawn’s gun?
He plans to shoot the person who killed Shawn.
Who is the first person to enter the elevator with Will?
Buck
What does Will compare carrying Shawn’s gun to?
Carrying a newborn baby.
Summarize the event that starts the story.
Shawn is shot and killed.
Who was Will's brother that got killed?
Shawn
Predict what will happen as the elevator keeps stopping on each floor.
More people will get on, possibly connected to Shawn.
What is Buck holding when he gets in the elevator?
A cigarette
What real-world situation does Will connect to when describing the rules?
How rules get passed down in his neighborhood/community.
Summarize Will’s plan before entering the elevator.
He decides to take Shawn’s gun and kill Riggs.
What three rules does Will say everyone must follow?
Don't cry, don't snitch, get revenge
Predict why Jason Reynolds uses the elevator as the main setting instead of the streets.
It traps Will, forcing him to face his thoughts and the ghosts.
Why is Will confused about seeing Buck?
Because Buck is supposed to be dead.
When Will describes the streets being quiet after Shawn’s death, what does this connect to?
How people act shocked and silent after violence happens.
Summarize what happens when Buck enters the elevator in 2 sentences.
Buck surprises Will by showing up even though he’s dead. He checks the gun, shows it’s loaded, then gives it back.
Shawn's gun
Predict how Will’s belief in the “rules” might affect his future if he follows them. Use text evidence to support your prediction.
Following the rules could make Will repeat Shawn’s fate, shown by how Buck and others died because of revenge.
What does Buck check on Will before handing back?
Shawn’s gun (to see if it’s loaded).
Will connects Buck to Shawn — what’s the connection?
Buck gave Shawn his first gun and was like an older brother figure.
Summarize Will’s plan in one sentence.
He plans to follow the rules and kill Riggs with Shawn’s gun.
In the line “My stomach dropped, felt like an anvil plummeting,” what does the word anvil suggest about Will’s feelings?
An anvil is heavy iron, so Will feels an extreme weight of grief/fear.
What is the main idea of the “rules” in the story, and how do they develop the theme?
The rules control Will’s choices and drive the cycle of violence, developing the theme that revenge repeats generational harm.
What is the main idea of Buck entering the elevator?
Buck’s ghost reminds Will of Shawn and challenges his plan.
Will says his heart was pounding, then compares it to “drums.” What does this figurative language show about the meaning of pounding in this context?
It means beating rapidly and forcefully, showing his fear and adrenaline.
Summarize the message of the “first ghost visit” (Buck) and explain how it connects to Will’s choice.
Buck represents how the cycle of violence continues; he shows Will the gun is loaded, reminding him the choice is real and dangerous.