Characters
What is Marcus’s brother’s name?
Charlie
Why do most kids stay out of Marcus’s way?
He's very tall and big.
What gets Marcus suspended?
Fighting with a student who bullied his brother
What theme is becoming clear by Chapter 15?
Finding your roots and identity
What is Marcus's business at school?
Helping kids avoid bullies
What nickname do kids give Marcus?
King Kong
Why does Marcus act tough at school?
To stop people from bullying him
What does Marcus’s mom decide after he’s suspended?
Take him and Charlie to Puerto Rico
What advice does Marcus's mom give him before Puerto Rico?
Stay out of trouble, Be open to new things, Keep an open heart and mind.
What motivates Marcus to protect his brother?
Stopping people from bullying him
How does Charlie communicate with people?
Why does Marcus need extra money?
To help his mom with bills
Why does Marcus want to go to Puerto Rico?
To meet his father
What does Marcus start realizing in Puerto Rico?
Family is more important than anger
What emotions does Marcus hide at school?
He feels lonely and different but hides it behind toughness
How does Marcus feel about his dad?
He's angry but misses him
How does Marcus’s size cause problems at school?
People expect him to be mean
What does Marcus hope to find in Puerto Rico?
He'll find his father and reconnect
What lesson does Marcus learn about family?
He learns how important family is
How does Marcus’s relationship with his mom change?
They get closer
What happened to Marcus’s dad?
He left the family years ago
How does Marcus often feel at school?
Lonely and different
How does Marcus feel about not knowing Spanish?
He feels ashamed and awkward
How is identity important in Marcus's story?
Identity is part of the developing theme
What is the main internal conflict Marcus faces?
Balancing anger with the need for family connection and identity