Plot
Where does Junior go when he asks to leave class in “Hunger Pains”? Why?
He goes to the bathroom because he is bored in history class.
Who is Junior’s best friend from the reservation?
Rowdy
Why is Junior worried at the dance?
He doesn’t have enough money.
Where is Junior from?
The Spokane Indian Reservation
What does Junior show when he keeps trying in basketball?
A. He wants to quit
B. He never gives up
C. He is angry
D. He is bored
B. He never gives up
What does Junior tell Penelope to help her feel better?
Never give up!
Who becomes Junior’s new romantic interest in these chapters?
Penelope
What problem does Penelope face that others don’t see?
She feels lonely and sad. She struggles with bulimia despite seeming perfect.
Where does Junior go with Penelope?
Reardan High School dance
What does Junior learn about friendship after the diner? Explain why.
A. Friends are always mean
B. People cannot be trusted
C. People can be kind if you trust them
D. Friends only care about money
C. People can be kind if you trust them
What does Junior do at diner to hide that he has no money?
He orders so many pancakes!
Who gives Junior money at the diner and later drives him home?
Roger
$300
Why is Rowdy upset with Junior?
He feels Junior abandoned the reservation and betrayed their friendship.
Where do Junior and Penelope go after the dance?
A diner
What does Penelope’s struggle show? Why?
A. She is always happy
B. Looks can hide pain
C. School is easy
D. Friends do not matter
B. Looks can hide pain
What happens during Junior’s basketball tryout?
He gets knocked down by Roger but gets up and scores.
How does Penelope's dad feel about Junior?
He is racist towards Native American Indians.
What internal conflict does Junior feel about his identity?
He feels caught between being Indian and fitting into the white school.
Where does Junior communicate with Rowdy online?
computer lab
What does Gordy say about identity and belonging?
Be yourself, even if you don’t fully fit in.
How does Junior’s first game against Wellpinit end for him physically and emotionally?
He gets injured (hit with a quarter, stitches) but feels supported and learns perseverance
What advice do Gordy and Rowdy give to Junior? How is their advice similar?
Gordy says that society prefers white women and Rowdy says Junior is objectifying Penelope by being with her. Both are saying that he is with a white woman just because of how she is seen by others (beautiful and perfect).
How does Junior’s experience at the dance and diner show both internal (person vs. self) and external conflict (person vs. society)?
Internally, he struggles with shame about poverty; externally, he fears judgment from wealthier peers
How does the setting of the basketball game create tension for Junior?
It takes place on his reservation, where the crowd turns against him
What deeper idea does Junior show about being a “part-time Indian”?
He struggles to belong in two worlds and must balance who he is with new opportunities.