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What is happening with Scooter's health in the final chapters?
Scooter's health worsens; his condition gets worse and more urgent
What decision does Crash make that shows growth?
He chooses kindness over competition/peer approval
How does Scooter's illness act as a turning point for Crash?
Scooter's illness forces Crash to confront what truly matters
How does kindness require courage in the last chapters?
It takes courage to stand against peers and act kindly
Compare Old Crash (beginning) to New Crash (ending). What specific events caused the shift?
Shift caused by Scooter's illness, observing Penn, and self reflection
Why does Crash start paying closer attention to Penn?
Crash notices Penn's kindness and strength under pressure.
Why is the track meet important in the final chapters?
The track meet becomes a test of Crash's priorities and growth.
How does Mike represent Crash's "old self"?
Mike represents pride, bullying, and ego-driven behavior
How does the book suggest people can change?
Crash's behavior shifts prove that change is possible.
From Penn's POV, Crash might seem harsher or slower to change
How does Mike react when Crash's behavior begins to change?
Mike resists Crash's change and continues mocking Penn.
What is different about Christmas in these chapters compared to earlier in the books?
Earlier Christmas focused on material comparison; now it focuses on relationships
How is Crash's definition of "winning" changing?
Winning shifts from defeating others to doing the right thing
What does the ending suggest about forgiveness?
The ending suggests forgiveness is earned through action
How does the author use competition as a metaphor for internal conflict?
Competition mirrors Crash's internal battle between ego and empathy.
What does Crash begin to realize about how he has treated Penn?
Crash realizes he has bullied Penn and feels guilt.
What motivates Crash to buy Scooter a Christmas present?
He becomes reflective and less arrogant
How does the author show that strength is more than physical power?
Strength becomes emotional courage, not physical power
How do material possessions contrast with relationships at the end?
Material items lose importance compared to relationships
Is Crash brave in the final chapters? Why or why not?
Yes because he risks social standing, or partially, because growth is ongoing.
How does Crash feel about himself compared to earlier in the novel?
He becomes reflective and less arrogant.
Why does Crash start paying closer attention to Penn?
Crash notices that Penn is kind and strong even when experiencing hard things
What relationship matters most to Crash by the end of the novel? Why?
Scooter becomes the most important relationship because love outweighs popularity.
How does the track meet support the theme of change?
The track meet contrasts competition with moral growth.
What message does the author leave readers with at the end?
Final message: growth and redemption are possible through courageous choices.