Alex
Why does Alex think Brick wants to maim him?
Because he did an imitation of Brick at lunch.
When and Where do Alex's karate lessons take place?
His karate lessons take place at the YMCA at 7:00 PM (p.1)
How did Alex avoid Brick at school?
He ran away every time he saw Brick.
Why is Chapter 1 called "A Sleek Fighting Machine"?
It is called a Sleek Fighting Machine because that is exactly what Alex needed to be if he was going to survive fifth grade and Brick Johnson. (p. 2)
What do you call Alex's karate teacher and what is his name?
In karate, they are called your sensei and his name was Walt.
How does Alex believe he can become a sleek fighting machine?
By learning karate.
What does Brick already know how to do when he joins Alex's Karate class?
A round kick.
Why is there a chapter called "First Grade Comedian"? Extra points (100): specifically, tell me what he does in the classroom.
Brick reads funny stories to his first grade class.
Extra: He transforms into a dopey look with his hands making a pawing motion (p. 32-33)
Why is Chapter 7 called "The Deadly Dictionary"?
It is called "The Deadly Dictionary" because as Alex was trying to avoid Brick in the library, Brick decides to pull the largest dictionary off the shelf. Alex believed Brick was going to use that dictionary not as a reference but .... as a weapon. (p. 38)
Why does Alex think Brick is a bully?
Because Brick looks big and mean.
If Alex were a 100 year old man, what does he believe would be the most stressful day of his life?
Why does Brick say he wants to learn karate?
Brick says he wants to learn self-defense (p. 56)
Finish this sentence..."At my other school a boy did an imitation of me and..."
Brick never finished the sentence because he walked away when the PE teacher told him to stay at his own table during lunch.
Why is Chapter 13 called "The Collector"?
It is called "The Collector" because in the midst of Alex realizing that Brick was just a cool guy, Alex finds out that Brick was also a adamant collector of baseball cards. Brick had "all [his] cards ... in a big box under [his] bed" (68) Alex offered to "organize them according to year or team....I can help" (69)
What does the instructor tell Alex about respect at his first karate lesson?
To get respect, you have to show respect
What does Alex think Brick is going to maim him with in the library?
A heavy dictionary.
What color is the karate teacher's belt?
Black with gold stripes
What is Brick's real name?
Clarence
Why is Chapter 2 called "The Solution to World War"?
It is called "The Solution to World War" because Alex was telling his family about his situation with Brick and how Brick was going to maim him. He believed that his best solution would be to attend karate classes to defend himself. Liz believed that the only solution was to "never be alone with him [and] he probably wont do anything to you in front of other people, especially not a teacher" (12)
Why does Alex start to think his desire to flatten Brick with a round kick is fading?
Alex thought about Brick reading to the first graders and feels guilty for his imitation of Brick.
What is Alex's 3 part plan to deal with Brick?
1. Survive today
2. Perfect his round kick
3. Use his round kick to flatten Brick
Why does Walt tell Alex never to wash his karate belt?
"Every drop of sweat and hard work should show on your belt" (p. 19)
What team's hat does Brick always wear, unless they lose?
The Braves
Why is Chapter 11 called "Daffy Duck Karate"?
It is called "Daffy Duck Karate" because when Alex and Brick was sparing one another, Alex remembered seeing an episode of Bugs Bunny where Daffy Duck (resembling Alex) diligently practiced fencing only to be flattened with one simple move by Bugs Bunny (resembling Brick). (p. 59)
How does Brick show Alex respect at their first karate lesson.
Brick offers Alex his hand to help him up off the floor after stretching.