Characters
Who is the main character and narrator of the story?
Clay
What happens to Joey that sets off the main conflict?
He is found unresponsive and ends up in a coma
What is a major theme of the novel related to friendship?
Loyalty
“He’s not that kind of kid.” — Who says this and about whom?
Clay says it about Joey
What is a coma?
A state of deep unconsciousness
What is Joey’s relationship to the main character?
He is his best friend
What does the main character find in Joey’s backpack that worries him?
He finds medication/pills
How is mental health portrayed in the book?
It is a complex issue that deserves attention and empathy
“You’re just a kid. What do you know?” — What does this quote suggest about the main characters struggle?
He is not being taken seriously due to his age
What is a patient chart used for?
Tracking medical history, treatment, and condition
What role does the main character do at the hospital?
Make the hospital orderly
Why does the main character become suspicious about Joey’s condition?
He believes Joey was wrongly assumed to have attempted suicide
What theme is reflected in the main characters pursuit of the truth?
Justice
“I have to believe there’s more to it.” — What does this show about the main characters mindset?
His determination or doubt about surface-level answers
What is an EKG?
What is a test that records heart activity
Who is Dr. Russell, and how does he help the main character?
He is his mentor/supervising doctor
How does the main characters job at the hospital help him investigate Joey’s condition?
It gives him access to Joey’s records and doctors
How does the novel address the idea of trust in medical professionals?
It questions how much trust is given versus earned
Which quote shows the main characters emotional conflict over breaking hospital rules?
Open-ended; allow students to recall
What are side effects?
Unintended effects of medication
What character has a troubled home life and mental health issues?
Joey
What risky action does the main character take to prove Joey didn’t try to kill himself?
He sneaks into restricted areas to get information
How does the novel explore the line between responsibility and obsession?
Through Clay's increasingly dangerous actions for Joey’s sake
“Sometimes love makes you do crazy things.” — How does this apply to the main characters journey?
His loyalty to Joey drives risky decisions
What is a psychiatric evaluation?
An assessment of a person’s mental health status