Coach
What condition does coach give Ghost for joining the team?
He must behave in school and avoid getting into trouble.
Who is the track team member that Ghost races against at the start of the book?
Lu.
What event opens the book and reveals why Ghost deals with trauma?
His father chased him and his mom with a gun.
What color were the track shoes that Ghost stole?
Which teammate is the first to connect with Ghost and give him insight on the other team members and their situations?
Patty.
What was the goal that coach wanted to accomplish by taking the new teammates out to dinner?
To help them form a bond.
What event is Ghost assigned to in the race?
The 100 meter dash.
What embarrassing problem leads to Ghost looking for new shoes?
Ghost's shoes are ripped open on the sides.
What food is an reoccurring part of the plot?
Sunflower seeds.
Which teammates comes from a wealthy neighborhood and mother passed away when they were born?
Sunny.
What is Coach's reactions when he finds out that Ghost stole the shoes?
Coach gives him a chance to make it right by working off the debt.
What external conflict happens at the start line?
Ghost almost false starts.
What happens to Ghost the night before the meet?
He accidentally shaves a bald spot in his hair.
In order to get their silverware back at the newbie dinner, what did each teammate have to do?
They had to share a secret.
What is Patty's family situation like?
Patty and her sister were adopted. Their mom lost her legs and was not able to take care of them.
What major rule does Ghost break at practice that angers coach?
Ghost shows up late to practice.
How does Ghost mentally prepare at the starting line?
He pictures himself running away from his father.
How does Ghost's mom feel about him running in the meet?
She is supportive and excited for Ghost!
How did Ghost feel after stealing the track shoes?
He felt very guilty.
What was Ghost's first impression of his teammates?
Not very positive, he did not have a good view of them.
What warning does coach give Ghost before the race?
Don't try to win, just run clean.
Why is Ghost's race particularly important to him?
It is his first official competition.
Who is the main conflict between in this book?
Ghost and himself
What internal conflict does Ghost face right before the race starts?
He is conflicted on whether he is good enough to be a Defender.
What does Ghost realize about his teammates once he spends some time with them?
Many of them are also dealing with difficult family situations.