Fitch
What is Fitch's favorite video game?
Major Havoc
What does Bird want to be when she grows up?
An astronaut
What subject does Cash struggle with the most?
Math
What was the Challenger and when did the disaster happen?
A space shuttle
How do Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Thomas get along?
They argue often and don't communicate well
How does Fitch feel when his parents argue?
He feels frustrated and tries to escape through video games
How does Bird express her feelings through art?
She sketches to show how she feels about her family and dreams.
How does failing Math affect Cash?
It disappoints him and makes him less confident
Why is the Challenger mission important to Bird?
It inspired her to dream about space and becoming and astronaut
How does the parents' relationship affect the children?
It makes the kids feel stressed and disconnected
How does playing Major Havoc help Fitch deal with his problems?
It helps him feel like he has control over something when his life feels chaotic
How does Bird feel about the idea of the Challenger mission?
She is very exited and inspired by it
How does Cash's place in the family change after he repeats 7th grade?
He feels like he is falling behind his siblings and struggles with his self-worth
What happened to the Challenger shuttle and when?
It exploded shortly after takeoff in 1986
How do the children each react to their parents' arguments?
Fitch gets angry, Bird feels sad, and Cash withdraws
What does Fitch's love for video games reveal about his personality?
It shows he likes escaping from his problems and enjoys activities where he feels in control.
How does Bird's view of space change after the Challenger disaster?
She becomes sad and starts to question her dreams of becoming and astronaut
How does Cash's relationship with his siblings change throughout the story?
He becomes more understanding and starts to connect with them better
How does the Challenger disaster impact the Nelson Thomas family?
It causes Bird to question her dreams and the family to reflect on their lives and relationships. It makes Fitch and Cash want to connect with Bird.
What lesson do the children learn about family by the end of the story?
They learn that family relationships are complicated but important
How does Fitch's anger impact his relationships with others?
His anger causes fights with his siblings and peers and makes it hard for him to connect with his family
What do Bird's sketches reveal about her feelings toward her family?
They show she feels disconnected and wants to have a closer relationship (like the Logans)
What lesson does Cash learn by the end of the book?
He learns that it is okay to struggle and that he doesn't have to be perfect
What does the Challenger disaster symbolize in the story?
It represents lost dreams and the challenges of reaching for something big
How do Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Thomas' actions influence Bird's dreams
They don't instill confidence in Bird to believe in herself, and their fighting makes her question her own ability to achieve her dreams