Chapter 1
Why was the secretary to the principal acting so nervous?
She was concerned about Reuben's appearance.
What do we first learn about Ricky?
He wrecked his truck and was never found.
Explain why 48 people gathered together.
They saw Trevor's ad about free money.
Why did Arlene almost scream when she saw Jerry?
Because a middle aged strange man walked out of her bathroom wet from taking a shower.
Explain how Arlene called Jerry's bluff when he was caught late in her garage.
She told him she would drive him to the shop because he told her he was living there.
How did Mr. Louis Tartaglia control his new class?
He took a yard stick and banged it on a students desk.
Why does Arlene work a second job?
She's still making payments on the truck.
Where did the Trevor get the money?
From his newspaper route.
Why didn't Arlene remember giving permission about Jerry taking a shower?
She was half-asleep.
Why is the Dodge Dart (Arlene's car) a good car?
It has a good engine and doesn't break down much.
What did Trevor ask Reuben after class?
What happened to your face?
What is Ricky's connection to Trevor?
He is his father.
What problem does Trevor have?
He didn't expect so many people to show up (from his ad) and he doesn't know who to give the money to.
What is Jerry doing to the truck?
He is taking it apart so Arlene could sell the parts separately.
What happened that changed Arlene's mind about helping Jerry?
They both saw a shooting star.
How was Reuben injured?
He was injured in the Vietnam War.
Explain what Trevor suspects about his father.
He thinks he never went to Vietnam because he doesn't have any stories about his time there.
What happen to Jerry?
He lost his job, car, apartment and has no phone number.
Explain why Jerry cannot pay the money back to Trevor.
He has to pay it forward to someone else.
How did Jerry explain "Pay it Forward" to Arlene?
He drew circles in the the dirt with a stick and said he had to help three people.
How does Trevor feel about the assignment?
He was very excited.
What does "dismissive" mean?
To ignore and believe that something is not important
Why did many of the people leave?
It was just a kid who placed the ad.
Where did the term "pay it forward" come from?
Trevor made it up.
What did Arlene reveal to Jerry about Trevor?
She having trouble talking to Trevor because she doesn't want to hurt him.