Curious About Characters
Why does Tamaya decide to follow Marshall through the woods instead of going the regular way home?
Tamaya wanted to be brave.
Why does Tamaya hope her mother is working late when she gets home from the woods?
She did not want her mother to see her come home late with her torn sweater.
How does the mud affect Tamaya physically?
It causes her to get a rash with blisters.
What might Marshall’s decision to take the shortcut through the woods suggest about how he handles pressure or fear?
Marshall runs from his fears.
How did Tamaya get into Woodridge Academy?
She passed an aptitude test.
Why does Marshall want to take a "shortcut" through the woods?
He wanted to avoid Chad.
What does Tamaya put on her rash?
She puts restorative cream on her rash.
Where is SunRay Farm located?
It is located in a secluded valley northwest of Woodridge Academy.
Why doesn't Marshall share with Tamaya that Chad is bullying him?
He is embarrassed about getting bullied.
Why did Hope call Tamaya a goody two-shoes?
Tamaya told Chad (the boy telling the story about the hermit) that he isn't allowed in the woods.
How many siblings does Marshall have?
He has twin sisters.
How does Tamaya feel when Hope calls her a Goody Two-shoes?
It hurts her. The text says, "The words stung."
What is Tamaya’s first impression of the fuzzy mud?
She is curious about the fuzzy mud and wonders why it has the fuzzy layer.
Why do you think Chad is targeting Marshall specifically?
Who does Tamaya live with?
Tamaya lives with her mother.
What made Chad almost push Marshall down the stairs, then threaten to fight him after school?
Marshall answered a question correctly after Chad got the answer wrong in class.
Why does Marshall not like attending Woodridge Academy?
Chad and other kids tease him.
How does Tamaya react when Marshall chooses to go into the woods?
She is afraid to go into the woods.
Why do you think the author includes transcripts of a Senate court hearing in between chapters about the kids?
The author wants to show the readers there may be an ecological threat due to biolene.
According to the text, it says, "...she shoved it into his face." What does this show about Tamaya as a friend?
This shows Tamaya is a loyal friend.
Why does Tamaya yell out to Chad in the woods when she first sees him?
She thinks and hopes he can save them since they were lost.
What surprising thing does Tamaya do when she goes to bed the night she gets home from the woods?
Tamaya prays for Chad to find the goodness that lived inside his heart.
What happens during the confrontation with Chad in the woods?
Why might Tamaya hesitate to tell anyone about her hand or what happened in the woods?
She does not want to get in trouble for doing something wrong.
Why does the author tell us "guilt pumped through her veins" on page 41?
This metaphor shows us Tamaya feels extremely guilty because she is not being truthful with her mother.