Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who gave Tucker the nickname 'Tugboat'?
Who gave Tucker the nickname 'Tugboat'?
Richard
Who was told people who'd passed came back to Calico Creek at night?
Who was told people who'd passed came back to Calico Creek at night?
La Shana Mae
Who thrashed around in water screaming that he couldn't swim?
Who thrashed around in water screaming that he couldn't swim?
Mr. Nibbles
Who wasn't concerned about a 'wipeout,' and popped right up in the water?
Who wasn't concerned about a 'wipeout,' and popped right up in the water?
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Who could be seen in a picture in a book about the U.S. Coast Guard?
Who could be seen in a picture in a book about the U.S. Coast Guard?
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Who was a hotshot baseball shortstop and could swim like a fish?
Who was a hotshot baseball shortstop and could swim like a fish?
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What had happened in the year 1900 that made Tucker wonder if he'd talked to a ghost?
What had happened in the year 1900 that made Tucker wonder if he'd talked to a ghost?
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Why were Tucker and his folks flown to New York City?
Why were Tucker and his folks flown to New York City?
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In addition to Tucker, who else had seen Richard that day on the beach?
In addition to Tucker, who else had seen Richard that day on the beach?
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Everybody liked him; nevertheless, why did kids tease Tucker?
Everybody liked him; nevertheless, why did kids tease Tucker?
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List the events in the story that are part of the rising action.
List the events in the story that are part of the rising action.
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What is the climax of the story?
What is the climax of the story?
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What nickname did La Shana Mae have for Tucker?
What nickname did La Shana Mae have for Tucker?
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What is the setting of the story?
What is the setting of the story?
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Who is the narrator of the story?
Who is the narrator of the story?
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What was the significance of Richard's statement that 'Tucker would make a good tugboat and one day might even grow to be a big ship.'?
What was the significance of Richard's statement that 'Tucker would make a good tugboat and one day might even grow to be a big ship.'?
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What does terminal mean?
What does terminal mean?
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What does pier mean?
What does pier mean?
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What does disturbed mean?
What does disturbed mean?
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What does qualifications mean?
What does qualifications mean?
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What was Tucker's reward for saving Mr. Nibbles?
What was Tucker's reward for saving Mr. Nibbles?
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Study Notes
Characters and Nicknames
- Tucker is nicknamed "Tugboat" by Richard.
- La Shana Mae believes that deceased individuals return to Calico Creek at night.
- Mr. Nibbles panicked in the water, shouting that he couldn't swim.
- Tucker showed confidence after a "wipeout," quickly emerging from the water.
- Richard appears in a picture featured in a book about the U.S. Coast Guard.
Tucker's Abilities and Background
- Tucker excels as a baseball shortstop and is an excellent swimmer.
- He discovers that Richard had died in 1900, which leads him to question whether he communicated with a ghost.
- Tucker and his family were flown to New York City as a result of his heroic act in saving Mr. Nibbles from drowning.
Plot Developments
- Only Tucker witnessed Richard's presence on the beach that day.
- Kids teased Tucker for being short, despite their overall fondness for him.
- A storm was anticipated, creating tension about the approaching weather while Tucker prepared to surf.
Key Story Elements
- The climax occurs when a man seizes Tucker's surfboard, leading to a struggle.
- La Shana Mae affectionately calls Tucker "Tootsie Roll."
- The setting takes place in Morehead City, North Carolina, during the 1970s and in the present day.
Narrative Voice
- La Shana Mae serves as the narrator of the story.
Themes and Symbolism
- Richard's comment about Tucker being a good tugboat symbolizes hope and potential, reassuring Tucker that size doesn't determine capability. It emphasizes Tucker's strong desire to help others.
- Terminal refers to the end of a transportation route, while pier signifies a platform extending over water.
- Disturbed means to be bothered, highlighting emotional responses, while qualifications refers to skills and achievements.
Rewards and Outcomes
- Tucker is rewarded with $100 for his bravery in saving Mr. Nibbles.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the characters and events from the book 'Big Things Come in Small Packages'. This study guide includes flashcards to help reinforce key details about the story. Perfect for students and fans of the novel!
