Plot & Events
Why is A.J. confident when he first walks toward the batter’s box?
He believes his hitting skills will help his team score.
How would you describe A.J. at the beginning of the story?
Focused, hardworking, and serious about baseball.
What type of school environment is shown in the story?
One where popularity is measured and publicly tracked.
What literary device is used when sounds like “ding-ding-ding” are described?
Onomatopoeia.
What is one major theme of the story?
The danger of valuing popularity over ability.
What unexpected change happens right before A.J. is supposed to bat?
The coach moves him lower in the batting order.
Why does Jaylen receive so much attention from fans?
He entertains them with exaggerated actions.
How does Rateez affect decisions outside of sports?
It influences grades, teachers, and school programs.
Why does the author use exaggeration in describing performances?
To show how extreme the need for attention has become.
What does the story suggest about technology and ratings?
They can distort what people value.
What causes the crowd to cheer more for Jaylen than A.J. early in the story?
Jaylen’s flashy behavior and showmanship.
How does Coach Carson justify his decisions to A.J.?
He explains that popularity now matters more than skill alone.
Why does the scoreboard change worry A.J.?
It puts pressure on players to perform for ratings, not skill.
What does A.J.’s bat most strongly symbolize by the end of the story?
His struggle between skill and showmanship.
How does A.J.’s journey warn readers?
Chasing approval can lead to harmful choices.
How does A.J. react when he realizes ratings affect decisions beyond baseball?
He becomes worried and starts checking his own score.
What role does Marquis play in A.J.’s understanding of the rating system?
He helps A.J. realize how important ratings are in school life.
What does the community value most in this society?
Entertainment and approval.
How is irony shown in A.J.’s success?
His popularity rises while his performance declines.
What message does the story send about success?
Success loses meaning when it is measured only by attention.
What major event shifts the tone of the story near the end?
Luis is seriously injured while trying to entertain the crowd.
How does A.J.’s attitude toward his teammates change over time?
He begins coaching them to perform tricks for higher ratings.
How does the setting contribute to the story’s conflict?
It creates constant pressure to perform for others.
Why does the author include repeated crowd reactions?
To emphasize society’s obsession with approval.
What lesson can readers take from the ending?
Staying true to yourself matters more than pleasing others.