Characters' Insight
Name one characteristic of Roy.
Persistent (he doesn’t give up on trying to find out more about the barefoot boy).
In what season does the story begin?
Late summer or early fall (as Roy is starting a new school year).
How is the theme of animal rights introduced?
Through the efforts to stop the construction and protect the burrowing owls living in the lot.
What is the significance of the running boy's actions?
The running boy’s actions (disrupting the construction site) hint at his mission to protect the burrowing owls and stop the development.
What motivates Roy to follow the running boy?
Curiosity and a desire for adventure, as the boy represents a mystery Roy wants to solve.
What sensory details are used to describe the environment?
The heat, humidity, swampy land, and the wildlife, especially the burrowing owls and other animals.
Identify a moment that illustrates the theme of injustice.
The construction of Mother Paula’s Pancake House on land that is home to endangered burrowing owls, without regard for the animals’ protection.
What happens when Roy tries to talk to the running boy?
Roy fails to catch him but remains determined to learn more about him.
How does Roy feel about moving to a new town?
He feels lonely, out of place, and misses his old home in Montana.
What details suggest the town is environmentally focused?
The presence of endangered species like the burrowing owls and Roy's growing awareness of environmental concerns through his discoveries.
How does the author introduce the theme of friendship?
Through Roy’s desire to connect with the barefoot boy and eventually with Beatrice, both of whom play key roles in his new social environment.
Describe how the author builds suspense in Chapter 2.
Through the introduction of Officer Delinko investigating mysterious acts of vandalism at the construction site and his eventual encounter with the vandalism of his police car.
Who is Roy's main friend introduced in these chapters?
Beatrice Leep (though their relationship develops slowly, she becomes an important ally).
How does the setting affect the characters?
The warm, swampy environment affects Roy’s adjustment and connects to the barefoot boy’s survivalist skills and the environmental conflict with the burrowing owls.
What conflict does Roy experience with the school bully?
Dana Matherson constantly bullies Roy, physically tormenting him on the school bus and around campus.
What event causes Roy to run after the running boy?
Seeing the barefoot boy running past the bus while Roy is being bullied by Dana Matherson.
What is the main conflict that Roy faces in these chapters?
Answer: Adjusting to a new town and school, dealing with the bully Dana, and solving the mystery of the barefoot boy.
Adjusting to a new town and school, dealing with the bully Dana, and solving the mystery of the barefoot boy.
Describe the town of Coconut Cove and its significance.
Coconut Cove is a small town in Florida with a hot, humid climate. It's important as the site of the conflict between development (building Mother Paula's Pancake House) and environmental conservation (the habitat of the burrowing owls).
What theme is introduced in the beginning?
Environmental conservation, with the introduction of the construction site threatening the habitat of burrowing owls.
Summarize the main events in Chapter 3.
Roy continues his pursuit of the barefoot boy, learns more about his mysterious habits, and Officer Delinko’s police car gets vandalized while he's staking out the construction site.