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Why did August initially decide not to go trick-or-treating?
a) He wasn’t feeling well.
b) He was scared of the dark.
c) He didn’t have a costume.
d) He had homework to do.
a) He wasn’t feeling well.
Why does Summer sit with August on the first day of school?
a) Mr. Tushman asked her to.
b) She felt sorry for him.
c) She thought he was cool.
d) She wanted to be popular.
b) She felt sorry for him.
What did August make for the Egyptian Museum exhibit?
a) A statue of Anubis
b) A miniature sphinx
c) A mask of a pharaoh
d) A step pyramid out of sugar cubes
d) A step pyramid out of sugar cubes
What did Mr. Browne ask the students to write about?
a. Their favorite memory
b. A goal they achieved
c. A time they were brave
d. A story about their family
c. A time they were brave
What game does August enjoy playing at recess?
a) Soccer
b) Tag
c) Four Square
d) Dodgeball
c) Four Square
Summer became friends with August because Mr. Tushman asked her to.
True/False
False
August was determined to quit school because of the incident with Jack Will.
True/False
True
Jack’s family is very wealthy.
True/False
False
Summer tells her mom to act normal when she meets August.
True/False
True
Skeleton Hill is called that because it is an ancient Indian burial ground.
True/False
False
Skeleton Hill is not actually an ancient Indian burial ground. That’s just a spooky story the kids make up about it.
What did Miranda tell August when she called?
a) She missed Via and wanted to reconnect.
b) She didn’t know he was attending a real school.
c) She wanted to visit him.
d) Both a and b.
d) Both a and b.
"‘Bleeding Scream,’ I whispered in his ear, and then walked away."
Question:
What does the phrase "Bleeding Scream" refer to, and why is it significant in the story?
Answer:
The phrase "Bleeding Scream" likely refers to a nickname or a dramatic term used to describe a specific event or action. It could signify a particular reaction or moment in the story, and its significance lies in the emotional or tension-filled context in which it is used.
Explain the meaning:
"Punching his pillow"
A physical expression of anger or frustration. In the text, August punches his pillow as a way of releasing his emotions when he is upset about school and his friends.
Explain the meaning:
"In the blink of an eye."
This phrase means something happening very quickly, almost instantaneously. It is used in the book to describe how quickly things can change, particularly in August’s experiences at school.
Explain the meaning:
"A piece of junk"
This phrase refers to something that is old, broken, or of poor quality. It’s often used to describe something that no longer works well or is considered worthless.
How did Via try to convince August to return to school?
Answer: Via reminded August that everyone has bad days at school, that quitting wasn’t like him, and that he shouldn’t let the boys’ comments have power over him.
What was August’s response when Jack thanked him for lying to the teacher?
Answer: August simply said, "No problem," showing his forgiving and kind nature.
How does Julian describe his grandmother’s village in France?
Answer: He says it’s a tiny, boring village where nothing happens.
How does Summer describe her dad to August?
Answer: She says he was a platoon sergeant who passed away a few years ago and shows August a picture of him in his uniform.
Why was Via surprised by Miranda’s call to August?
Answer: Via was surprised because she hadn’t told Miranda about August attending a real school, and she didn’t know Miranda had reached out to him to express her love and support.
"It’s not a contest about whose days suck the most. The point is we all have to put up with the bad days."
Question:
Who says this line, and what does it reveal about their perspective on life’s challenges?
Answer:
This line is said by Via. It shows her mature and empathetic perspective, emphasizing that everyone has struggles and that comparing hardships isn’t helpful.
"He was sitting right next to me. I know it wasn't cool, but I kind of went "Uhh!" when I saw him because I honestly got scared. I thought he was wearing a zombie mask or something."
Who says this? Why?
Jack
"Sometimes, we would hold the flashlights under our chins while we were explaining something in detail."
Question:
What was the purpose of using flashlights in this activity, and how did it add to the experience?
Answer:
The flashlights were used for dramatic effect, likely to create a spooky or mysterious atmosphere while explaining something in detail. Holding the flashlights under their chins would cast eerie shadows on their faces, adding to the storytelling experience.
"Fortune favors the bold. We were all supposed to write a paragraph about some time in our lives when we did something............."
Question:
Where did this precept originate, and what task was associated with it?
Answer:
The precept is Mr. Browne’s December precept in the story. It originated from his class assignment, where students were asked to write about a brave moment in their lives that led to something good.
What advice did Via give August about handling the situation with the boys, and how did she try to frame it positively?
Answer: Via advised August not to engage with the boys and to keep the fact that he overheard their comments to himself. She framed it positively by suggesting that August had the upper hand because the boys didn’t know he knew what they said, giving him control over the situation.