The Low Cuts Strike Again
According to the text, what usually motivates the Low Cuts to steal change from others?
The Low Cuts come from poor families, and to avoid the embarrassment of free lunch, they steal to buy their food.
According to the text (page 12), why did Jasmine want to become a water bear?
Jasmine knew that water bears are basically indestructible.
What is the purpose of the repetition of the word maybe in this chapter?
To illustrate how things could have been different.
According to the text, as Fatima falls, she ..."tripped on one of the big cracks where the sidewalk split--a lightning bolt of separation..." Which literary device aids the reader in this excerpt?
Metaphor
According to the text, why didn't Bryson go to school that day?
He wanted things to 'cool down' at school because of the incident.
According to the text, why do the Low Cuts visit Ms. Cee Cee's house for candy instead of going to a regular corner store?
"She was known for making sure everybody got a fair shot at sweet treats because she knew not everybody could get to the corner store."
"Ms. CeeCee's house was open twenty-four hours a day."
"Ms. CeeCee had been the neighborhood candy lady since the Low Cuts’ parents were kids."
In this chapter, family problems and illness impact Jasmine and TJ. Which of the following best describes the theme that emerges from these conflicts?
True friends stick by you no matter what you are going through, or where you came from.
How is Marcus connected to Pia?
His mother owns the salon where Pia's mom goes.
What is the purpose of changing the structure of the text, specifically the font within the chapter?
To reveal Fatima's innermost thoughts.
Which detail would be MOST important to include in a summary of this chapter?
Bryson uses strategies learned in video games to help him at school.
What famous quote from this chapter could be a theme? (Hint- it's at the end!)
"The other Low Cuts watched Bit the hustler, Bit who could turn ninety cents into nine bucks—into ice cream—turn into a son. A son who was scared. A son who loved his mom."
In this chapter, family problems and illness impact Jasmine and TJ. What might the theme be that emerges from these conflicts?
True friends stick by you no matter what you are going through, or where you came from.
Why is Skitter Pia's "voice"?
It is her identity and her way of communicating with others.
According to the text, "And the singing lady, Benni, who since then has stayed the same in that she's changed every. Single. Day." Which Literary Signpost supports this statement?
Contrasts and Contradictions
According to the text, at the conclusion of this chapter- "There were things they needed to talk about. Things they didn't need to talk about. There was a lot to say but nothing that needed to be said." What can the reader infer about Bryson and Ty?
Ty and Bryson's friendship is strong and they understand each other.
The setting of this chapter quickly shifted from school, to Cee Cee's, to the pool hall, to the ice cream truck, and then to Bit's home. What is the purpose of the frequent change in setting in this chapter?
The frequent change in setting contributes to the urgency and short time frame the Low Cuts have to achieve their goal.
According to the text, what made Jasmine miss a month of school?
She was in the hospital because she has sickle cell anemia.
What is MOST likely the reason Stevie doesn't tell his mother about Marcus?
Stevie is afraid of payback by Marcus because "snitches get stitches, and sometimes even ditches."
Which statement best reveals the overall theme of this chapter?
The importance of ‘looking both ways’.
Read this excerpt from the chapter 'Call of Duty' - "But attention would be paid. And it would be paid to Bryson. Because for the remainder of the afternoon, the rumor had become different. It had transformed." What does the word transform mean in this section?
Changed
Reynolds describes the Low Cuts as a “braid of brilliance and bravado.” Why does the author most likely include this description?
To show how the Low Cuts are a combination of clever and bold.
Why did TJ think people are really just boogers?
Because we are basically just water and dust... like boogers
Which detail of Marcus's life can help the reader to understand his motivations?
His mom is being physically abused by his father.
According to the text, Benni asks Fatima again and again, "How you gon' change the world?!", each time more intensely. What is Benni's motivation?
Benni is forcing Fatima to think differently.
At the end of the chapter, Bryson states, "Been fighting the war all day, bro." Besides playing Call of Duty all day, what other war was Bryson involved with?
An external conflict with Slim and the other boys.