Characters
What grade is Miguel currently in?
6th grade
Where was Miguel last year?
He was in an elementary school.
What is a painful change for Miguel?
He has always been in the middle of a large circle of friends.
How does Jake explain fractions?
How are Jake and Miguel different?
One is great at math, one struggles more.
Who does Miguel miss?
His large circle of friends.
Where does Miguel sit in middle school?
He sits in the front row.
What is the problem with his homework?
The teachers, especially in math, give tons of homework. He is not used to it.
How did he feel when Jake said he would help him with his math?
Miguel was stunned and surprised.
How is middle school different from elementary school socially?
In elementary school, he was in the middle of a big circle of friends.
Why is the title "Miguel in the Middle"?
Miguel is a middle child, has always been in the middle of a circle of friends, and is starting middle school.
What was a big change for Miguel when he got to middle school?
He has more homework than in elementary school.
What is a change that Miguel does not like?
He now sits in the front row instead of the middle of the classroom.
Who was surprised that he raised his hand in math class?
Jake and his math teacher were surprised.
How is middle school different from elementary academically?
He has tons of homework, especially in math. Middle school is also more challenging.
Who is Jake in the story?
Jake went to elementary school with Miguel. Jake is the only other student Miguel knows in middle school. He is a genius at math.
When did Jake and Miguel become friends?
This happened by the end of math class.
How does Miguel feel about math?
He disdains math and is confused by the work.
How does Miguel feel about math now?
Miguel has a different perspective.
How is middle school different from elementary in the classroom?
He sits in the front row and not in the middle of the classroom.
What will Miguel and Jake do during winter break?
They will hang out together and might go to the Math Museum downtown.
Because Miguel has a new circle of friends, he now...
Does not feel as lonely and has plans for winter break with his new friends.
Who does Miguel ask for help in math? Does that person help him?
He asks Jake for help in math. Yes, Jake says yes to helping him out.
Who answered the brainteaser correctly?
Jake and Miguel both got the answer right.
How does Miguel change from the beginning to the end of the story?
In the beginning, he is not happy and feels lonely. In the end, he becomes happier because he makes new friends and is more confident in math.