Characters
Paul's brothers name.
Who is Erik
What is Lake Windsor Downs?
"This is the name of the wealthy, new housing development in Tangerine County, Florida, where the Fisher family moves, a place constantly plagued by underground muck fires and termites."
Fear
The overwhelming emotion Paul feels towards his older brother, Erik, for most of the novel, stemming from past trauma and constant bullying.
Erik
"I think it's great that these farm-labor kids get to spend a day away from the fields"
Who is Erik
Paul's parents deny the truth about this character's violent nature a denial that results in the death of Luis Cruz.
Joey
Who was Paul's first friend at lake winsdor
Florida enviroments
This type of perpetually burning underground fire is a constant, smelly problem in the Fisher family's new neighborhood.
The Erik Fisher football dream
This family pressure, which Paul calls the "Erik Fisher football dream", leads Mr. Fisher to neglect Paul and ignore Erik's cruel behavior.
Paul
“Mom, I think something's on fire around here.”
What is the truth
Paul finally finds the courage to stand up to his brother after Antoine Thomas tells him that this will "set you free."
What did Erik and Vincent do to Paul
Paul was blinded
Educational Institutions
This is the name of Paul's first middle school in Tangerine County, known for its strict rules and focus on appearances.
Disappointment or shame?
The emotion Paul's parents exhibit when they discover Erik's true nature and his involvement in criminal activity and Luis's death, finally forcing them to confront their denial.
Mr.Costello
“Thanks for telling me. I’ll talk to him. If that doesn't do any good, I”ll have the Sheriffs Department talk to him. We can't have that.”
What is tangerine county
A place of beauty that conceals hidden truths of decay?
Paul has problems with his eyes
Why did Paul get kicked of the soccer team
Local Hazards
This natural disaster involving the sudden collapse of ground and utility lines causes major damage to Lake Windsor Middle School.
Relief or courage?
The primary emotion Paul experiences once he exposes Erik's crimes and decides to stand up for himself and his friends.
Paul's Mom
“What if Erik has no future in football?”
What is a sink hole
The sinkhole represents hidden dangers and the collapse of false appearances.
Gino
Who is the lake winsdor downs soccer team captian
Agricultural Locales
Paul helps his friends protect the groves of this specific fruit during a severe freeze.
The pressure of appearances or keeping up a facad
The "pressure" of maintaining a perfect exterior in their new community, which causes Mrs. Fisher to ignore the internal problems within her family, much like the physical problems of Lake Windsor Downs itself.
Joey
“Just put it all on the disk and give it to me. I’ll run it off on the laserjet at home.”
What is Tangerine
The long-buried secrets of the Fisher family, including the true cause of Paul's eye injury and Erik's violent nature, are central to the dysfunction in the novel named after this citrus fruit.