Show:
Level Three Questions
Level Two Questions
Level One Questions
Setting Questions
Character Questions
100
If you were Chance what would you do?
If I was Chance I probably wouldn't have agreed to pick up the packages. I’d be too afraid of being caught and ruining my chances at a good life. On the other hand if my family was about to lose our house I might. I would maybe tell a cop or adult I could trust.
100
Compare and contrast Melissa and Chance's personality.
Melissa is very outspoken and opinionated. Chance just sits there and is very passive. Melissa also comes from a more affluent family than Chance so she tends to take some things for granted.
100
Who is Brent Miller?
Brent Miller is a boy that Chance used to know from school. He came back to Chance’s world issues class to talk to the class about being in the army.
100
Where does this story take place?
Seattle, Washington
100
Who is the main character?
Chance Taylor
200
Could something like this really happen?
Yes, and it constantly is. Especially in places like Seattle where not everyone realizes what a major city it is. I’m sure the author had to do some sort of research to understand how these things work. Smuggling is a major problem in America.
200
Why does Chance agree to do what the fat man says?
Chance agrees because his father and he really need some more money. They might lose their boat if they can’t find more money. Chances father has tried to find a job but because he is an alcoholic he can’t hold work anymore.
200
Why did Chance want to go see his old house?
Chance wanted to see his old house because he was remembering better times in his life.
200
What is the name of the boat Chance lives on?
Tiny Dancer
200
What happened to Chance's mother?
She left Chance and his father when Chance was in the sixth grade.
300
What do you think Chances life will be like in the future?
I think Chance will enjoy the army. Because he really just wants to have someone take control and be responsible because he has had to be responsible for so much so long. He might have a family one day who know. But if he does I’m certain that he will make a point to be a better father than his. Chance will make something of himself.
300
How does Chance feel about his father’s alcoholism?
In the beginning of the book Chance talks about how you can’t hate your parents for being alcoholics but throughout the book you get this feeling that deep down he resents his dad for not being there for him. And I think Chase blames his mom’s departure on his dad.
300
What is the name of the school newspaper Melissa wants Chance to write for?
The Lincoln Light.
300
How would this story be different if it was set in a bigger city, like NYC?
I don't think a story like this could even take place in NYC. I'm sure there is smuggling but I think it's probably a little more advanced than having high school kids running the goods all over the city.
300
What is Chance's dad struggling with, and it's also why he can't get a job?
He is a alcoholic.
400
If you could change one thing about the story what would it be?
I would have changed the story so Chance was a little less passive. But I understand that it makes more sense having Chance be laid back. I feel like I want to know more about him but there probably isn't much to know. I don’t think I would change much about the story, it was really good.
400
How do you think the ending of the book would have been different if Chance had told his dad about the smuggling in the beginning of the book?
I think that if Chance had reached out to his father in the beginning he may have gotten in more trouble but I think that it would have probably saved his father’s life.
400
Describe how Chance and his dad celebrated Thanksgiving.
Chance and his dad didn't really do much for Thanksgiving, since they don’t have a lot of money to spend they can’t afford turkey or anything like that. I also think it’s because it makes them miss Chance’s mom.
400
What's the name of the high school Chance goes to?
Lincoln high school
500
What was the authors purpose of writing this book.
I think the main purpose was to entertain. But I feel like the message he was trying to get across is that nothing is really what is seems. Or that there are not clear cut lines between right and wrong.
500
Why do Chance's feelings change about the packages once he know what's in them?
Chance's feelings change because as soon as he knows that there are plastic explosives in them because now he knows that he's dealing with more than just an average smuggling ring. He's dealing with terrorists.
500
How many people die in "Runner".
Two people die. Brent Miller and Chance's father.
500
What is the name of the tavern that Chance's father drinks at?
Sloop Tavern
500
What is Chance's father's name?
Jack Taylor