Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does Uncle Potluck claim about talking to the moon?
Uncle Potluck claimed that when he talked to the moon, the moon talked back.
Why was Mattie not so sure about knowing the place by heart?
Mattie was not so sure about knowing the place by heart because it was dark without streetlights and familiar urban landmarks, and she felt it would take a long time for her to navigate through the night.
Where did Uncle Potluck and Mattie go to wait for the moon?
Uncle Potluck and Mattie went up the rise to the edge of the woods, to the flat rock ledge by the apple tree, to wait for the moon.
What did Uncle Potluck tell Mattie about trusting the moon?
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What is Mattie's goal?
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How long does Mattie plan to spend proving herself as a custodial apprentice?
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What fuels Mattie's determination to become a custodial apprentice?
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Who startles Mattie in the text?
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What is the name of Crystal's niece?
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What is Mattie's struggle with social interactions attributed to?
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Who provides comfort to Mattie with his humorous and supportive nature?
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What is the source of Mattie's reluctance to hang out with Quincy Sweet?
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What do Mattie's interactions with Uncle Potluck and Quincy Sweet shed light on?
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What does the narrative provide insight into?
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What does the text set the stage for?
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What does Star do with Mattie's private notebook?
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What does Mattie hope will change her relationship with Star?
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Whose room used to be Mattie's before she occupied it?
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What does Mama want Mattie to do that she declines?
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What does Mattie want to focus on instead of having a sleepover?
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What decision does Mattie make regarding her custodial wisdom notes?
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What surprises Mattie the next day at school?
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What does Mattie wonder about the teachers' presence at the school?
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Who entrusts Mattie with a veteran light bulb?
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Where are Uncle Potluck and Mattie when the story takes place?
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How is the old light bulb described?
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What specific incident does Mattie recall from Mrs. D'Angelo's class?
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How does Mattie feel about her name in Mrs. D'Angelo's class?
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What does Mattie try to convince herself that she is, based on what is written on the board?
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What moment do Uncle Potluck and Mattie share over the old light bulb?
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What does Mattie envision herself doing as she replaces the old bulb with a fresh one?
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What does the text provide insight into?
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What does the passage portray?
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What does Mattie reflect on as she replaces the old light bulb?
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What is the main theme of the text?
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Who is moving back to Uncle Potluck's house and why?
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What is Uncle Potluck's job at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary?
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How is Uncle Potluck's office described?
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What does Mattie's mother do with items whenever they move?
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What role does Uncle Potluck want to take Mattie on as?
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What does Mattie receive from her mother and what does she decide to use it for?
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How does Mattie feel about her new role?
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What does the silver notebook represent for Mattie?
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What does Mattie realize about rules at school?
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What theme does the text highlight for Mattie?
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What does Mattie find solace and a sense of control in?
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Discuss the significance of Mattie's janitorial notebook in her relationship with Uncle Potluck and its impact on her sense of belonging and purpose at school.
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Analyze the role of Uncle Potluck in shaping Mattie's perception of her own abilities and aspirations, and how it contributes to her personal growth.
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Examine the symbolic significance of the old light bulb and its replacement in the narrative, and its representation of Mattie's evolving perspective on her surroundings and relationships.
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Explore the theme of resilience and self-discovery in the text, focusing on Mattie's journey in finding her place within the school community and her evolving understanding of her own capabilities.
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What is the name of the missing button from Mattie's pajamas?
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How does Mattie express her emotional attachment to Moe?
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What does Uncle Potluck suggest doing, and how does Mattie respond?
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When does Mattie write a story about Moe in her notebook?
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What is Quincy's question about, and what does Miss Sweet offer to show?
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Who shares a humorous interaction with Uncle Potluck?
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What do Mattie and Quincy discuss regarding their personal habits?
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How does Mattie struggle to express her emotional attachment to Moe?
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What does Mattie do when she feels tired and yawns?
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What do Quincy and Miss Sweet do at the end of the conversation?
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Describe Mama's behavior and its impact on her relationship with Mattie and Quincy.
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How does Mattie feel about Quincy's storytelling and demeanor?
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What prompts Mattie's self-consciousness about her pajamas?
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How does Quincy's behavior during the sleepover make Mattie feel uncomfortable?
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How does Mattie struggle during the sleepover?
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What are Mama, Uncle Potluck, and Uncle Tommy doing while Quincy stares at Mattie?
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How does Quincy's repeated questioning about 'Poor Moe' impact Mattie?
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What does Mattie's agreement to a sleepover with Quincy reveal about her relationship with Mama and Uncle Potluck?
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How does Mattie's inner struggle manifest during the sleepover?
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Discuss the impact of Quincy's unconventional behavior on Mattie during the sleepover.
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How does Mama's preoccupation with Miss Sweet and Uncle Potluck's phone conversation affect the atmosphere of the sleepover?
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Explain the dynamics of the conversation and interactions between Quincy, Mattie, Mama, and Uncle Potluck during the sleepover.
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What unconventional materials does Quincy use for her art?
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Why does Mattie feel uncomfortable with Quincy's casual attitude about her brother's operation?
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What prompts Mattie to lie to her mother about feeling unwell?
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What does Mama share about her experiences working at a hospital?
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What does the story highlight about the characters' internal struggles?
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What does Uncle Potluck interrupt the girls to ask them to do?
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What does Mattie reflect on as a distraction from her own fears?
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What does Mattie struggle to reconcile with her own image of her mother?
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What does Quincy do at Uncle Potluck's house to support her brother?
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What does Mattie observe Quincy doing while she contemplates a Queen of Garbage and custodial wisdom?
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What does Mattie do to avoid spending more time with Quincy at Uncle Potluck's house?
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What does Uncle Potluck's question about her new job shift Mama's focus from?
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What challenges does Mattie face as a custodial apprentice and how does she overcome them?
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How does the narrative provide insight into the emotional and social struggles faced by Mattie in her school environment?
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What does Mattie's observation of the cafeteria reveal and how does it relate to her experience of belonging?
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What impact does Uncle Potluck have on Mattie's development as a custodial apprentice?
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How does the text highlight Mattie's dedication to her custodial apprenticeship amidst challenges?
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In what way does Mattie's encounter with Quincy Sweet challenge her ability to express herself and deal with social interactions?
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What themes are portrayed in the text through Mattie's experiences as a custodial apprentice?
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How does Uncle Potluck's mentorship contribute to Mattie's understanding of custodial tasks and routines in the school environment?
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What insights does the narrative provide into the challenges and growth experienced by a young custodial apprentice in a school environment?
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What role does mentorship play in Mattie's journey as a custodial apprentice, and how does it influence her resilience?
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How does the text illustrate Mattie's determination to care for the school despite facing bullying and social struggles?
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What does Mattie's experience as a custodial apprentice reveal about the emotional and social dynamics within the school environment?
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Discuss Mattie's emotional struggles and how they are reflected in her relationship with 'Moe' and her actions.
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How does the passage convey the theme of loneliness and resilience through 'Moe' and Mattie's experiences?
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Explain the significance of Mattie's act of writing about 'Moe' in her notebook and its impact on her emotional journey.
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Discuss the symbolism of 'Moe' and its representation of Mattie's emotional state and struggles.
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Who discovers the skinny, silver bracelet-looking thing at the bottom of the big elbow pipe where the leak is?
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What does Uncle Potluck demonstrate as the steps to fix the leak?
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What does Uncle Potluck explain about the role of washers in the fountain pipe?
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What does Mattie Mae pretend the washers are while Uncle Potluck is fixing the leak?
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What does Uncle Potluck let Mattie keep as a reward for her work?
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Where does Mattie Mae plan to go with her notebook to avoid Quincy Sweet?
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Who does Mattie Mae see outside Crystal Sweet's house trying to get her attention?
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Who suggests asking Mattie Mae along, indicating uncertainty about being 'frosted'?
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What does Mattie Mae hope about Quincy Sweet when she arrives home?
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What does Uncle Potluck joke about during the fountain leak fixing?
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What does Mattie Mae hope Quincy Sweet will see her doing when she takes her notebook to the rock?
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What does Crystal Sweet appear dressed up as and seem uncertain about whether it's good or not?
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Who does Mattie suspect of reading her notebook and not saying yes to something she asked?
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What does Uncle Potluck ask Mattie to help with in the garden?
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What story does Uncle Potluck share about his injury?
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What interrupts Uncle Potluck's story about his injured knee?
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Finish the sentence: Mattie is left alone in the garden, feeling a bit _____.
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What does the interaction between Mattie and Uncle Potluck provide for Mattie?
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What does Mattie feel when Uncle Potluck hurriedly returns to the house after the phone call?
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What does Mattie seek Uncle Potluck's company to avoid thinking about?
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What does Mattie do to engage in conversation with Uncle Potluck?
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What does Mattie suspect Quincy did after overhearing a conversation between Miss Sweet and Quincy?
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What does Uncle Potluck ask Mattie to help with in the garden to avoid thinking about her feelings?
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What does Uncle Potluck's story about his dog, Stella, and his injury provide for Mattie?
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Describe Uncle Potluck's care and concern for Mattie's well-being throughout the narrative.
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What does Mattie plan to tell Uncle Potluck about?
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What does Uncle Potluck refer to the day as?
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What does Uncle Potluck prepare to install, and how does he involve Mattie in the process?
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How does Uncle Potluck involve Mattie in the final step of installing a doorknob?
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Where does Uncle Potluck leave Mattie, and what does he tell her to do while he handles things?
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How does Mattie feel after Uncle Potluck leaves her alone in the nurse's room?
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What does Mattie do to feel better after Uncle Potluck's injury?
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What significant interaction do Uncle Potluck and Mattie have in the administrative office?
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What does Miss Sweet communicate to Mattie, and how does it impact Mattie's plans?
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How does the narrative show Uncle Potluck's mentorship and support for Mattie?
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What does Mattie observe about her own growth and abilities through her interactions with Uncle Potluck?
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What is the significance of Mama suggesting a secret code for Mattie and Quincy, and how does it reflect their relationship?
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What does the retrieval and setup of Mama's old tent in the yard signify in the text?
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How does the mention of a psychic in the army by Potluck contribute to the development of the narrative?
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What does Mattie's decision to pay extra attention at work after forgetting her notebook reveal about her character?
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What does Mattie's imagination of a dramatic leak at the school, followed by finding only a few splashes, suggest about her perspective?
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How does the absence of Mrs. Diaz-Smith in her classroom during the leak investigation add to the narrative?
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In what way does the discussion about prom and Miss Sweet's laughter contribute to the characterization of Quincy?
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How does Mattie's realization about Moe's sadness contribute to the emotional development of the narrative?
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What does Mama sharing a story about her childhood and camping in the backyard with friends reveal about her character?
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What does the investigation of the leak at the school by Mrs. Diaz-Smith and Uncle Potluck contribute to the narrative?
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How does Mattie's struggle to express her emotional attachment to Moe impact her character development?
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What does the mention of Quincy's repeated questioning about 'Poor Moe' reveal about the evolving dynamics between Mattie and Quincy?
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What personal qualities of Mattie are revealed through her actions and thoughts in the passage?
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How does the passage illustrate the relationship between Mattie and Uncle Potluck?
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What does the passage suggest about Mattie's aspirations and her perception of her role in the school environment?
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How does the passage convey the theme of responsibility and commitment through Mattie's actions?
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What does Principal Bonnet tell Mattie about bravery and fear?
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What personal story does Principal Bonnet share to illustrate bravery?
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According to Principal Bonnet, what is bravery dependent on?
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What is emphasized by Principal Bonnet regarding overcoming fears?
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What flavor is Mattie's Popsicle, and what special characteristic does it have?
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What is Mattie struggling with in relation to her fears?
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What does Mattie contemplate the absence of?
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What do Mattie and Quincy engage in at the beginning of the text?
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What does Quincy mistakenly refer to Mattie as, and how does Mattie correct her?
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What do the girls pretend to battle in their play-fighting?
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Who does Mattie, as Moe, save Quincy's character from?
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What do the girls do after their imaginative play, and what happens as a result?
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What does Quincy reminisce about, and how does Mattie respond?
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What does Mattie recall Uncle Potluck's belief to be about the moon?
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What does Quincy suggest doing, and how does Mattie react?
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Who does Mattie wish could join them in telling the moon a story, and why is he unable to?
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What does Mattie wonder about saying to the moon with Quincy present?
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How does the chapter end for Mattie?
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Describe Mattie's actions when Uncle Potluck leaves her alone to rest, and the consequences of her decision to help by vacuuming and installing doorknobs.
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What chaos prevents Mattie from calling for help when she locks herself in the principal's office?
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How does the story show that both Uncle Potluck and Mattie need assistance?
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What does Mattie wish she could have been as she reflects on the situation at the end of the story?
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Who is teaching Mattie how to install doorknobs in the story?
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What does Mattie hear outside while locked in the principal's office?
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What prevents Mattie from helping Uncle Potluck when he calls for her assistance?
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What is Uncle Potluck's response to Mattie's inability to help him?
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What is the theme of 'The Adventures of Moe'?
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What does Mattie do when Uncle Potluck leaves her alone to rest?
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Who eventually helps Uncle Potluck and Mattie, showing that they both need assistance?
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How does Quincy challenge Mattie to explore creativity?
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What does Mattie's notebook contain, and how does Quincy respond to it?
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What does Mattie do when she accidentally locks herself in the principal's office while installing a doorknob?
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What does Uncle Potluck ask Mattie to do while he leaves her alone to rest?
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What does the interaction between Mattie and Quincy highlight?
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How does Quincy demonstrate her creative approach to drawing?
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What emotions does Mattie experience during her interaction with Quincy?
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Discuss the significance of Mattie and Quincy's journey in exploring their imagination and artistic abilities.
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How does Quincy's calm and collected nature influence the story?
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What does Mattie contemplate while holding a Popsicle?
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What does Quincy's occupation of Mattie's favorite spot reveal about her character?
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How does Quincy's critique of Mattie's story contribute to the theme of creativity?
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What does the story aim to capture through the interaction between Mattie and Quincy?
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What is Mattie's internal struggle and what does she hope to achieve by the end of the passage?
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How does Mattie plan to avoid talking to the moon in front of Quincy?
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What does Mattie contemplate about Quincy and what conclusion does she come to?
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What does the passage reveal about Mattie's emotional state and her longing for companionship?
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What does Mattie feel self-conscious about in the kitchen?
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What does Uncle Tommy and Uncle Potluck engage in?
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What does Uncle Potluck address Mattie as?
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What does Quincy state she has figured out?
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What does the family dynamics show between Uncle Potluck and Miss Sweet?
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What do Mattie's internal thoughts and interactions reflect?
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What does Mattie apologize for in the kitchen?
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What does Miss Sweet show a picture of?
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What does Uncle Potluck ask Mattie to bring to the kitchen?
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Who steps out of the rental house with a red face and no makeup?
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What does Uncle Potluck continue in the kitchen?
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What does Quincy do as Uncle Potluck continues the story?
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Who or what inspires Mattie to write a story in the text, and how does she begin writing it?
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What does Mattie feel nervous about in Ms. Morgan's fifth-grade class?
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What does Mattie introduce herself as to her classmates, and how does she feel about it?
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What theme does the story emphasize, and what does it showcase about Mattie?
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What does the narrative highlight about the importance of speaking about what matters most, and what is the possibility it suggests?
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How does Mattie's introspective thoughts add depth to the story?
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What is emphasized in the author's acknowledgments, and what is the significance of this acknowledgment?
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What is the significance of the text highlighting 'the possibility of finding a real friend who will listen'?
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What does the story emphasize regarding Mattie's bravery and her passion for writing?
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How does the narrative underscore the theme of courage and connection?
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What does the story highlight about the author's journey in creating the novel, and what does it emphasize?
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What does the text emphasize about finding a real friend who will listen, and what does it suggest about the characters' experiences?
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What is the purpose of Principal Bonnet's visit to Mattie's house?
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What unconventional abilities of Uncle Potluck are revealed during Principal Bonnet's visit?
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What activity does Principal Bonnet participate in during the visit to Mattie's house?
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Who makes predictions about Quincy's future based on the corn readings?
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What does Miss Sweet discuss during the visit to Mattie's house?
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How does Quincy react to Miss Sweet's comments during the visit?
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What does Quincy abruptly do during the interaction with Miss Sweet?
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What does the interaction between Miss Sweet and Quincy reveal?
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What does the shiny black car signify at Mattie's house?
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How is Principal Bonnet dressed during the visit to Mattie's house?
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What does Quincy suggest about Stella during the visit?
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What is revealed about Uncle Potluck's abilities during the visit?
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What does Mattie decide to do at the beginning of the Small Brave Thing Summary, and who does she go to find?
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What does Quincy have with her when Mattie finds her sitting on a rock?
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What does Mattie share with Quincy, and how does Quincy respond to it?
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What realization does Mattie come to about herself while talking to Quincy?
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What do the two girls do after looking up at the moon, and what does Quincy share with Mattie?
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What does Mama offer to set up for Mattie and Quincy, and how do they respond?
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What is the setting described as, and what role does the moonlight play in the interaction between Mattie and Quincy?
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Who interrupts Mattie and Quincy's conversation, and what does she offer to do for them?
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What does Mattie decide to do in response to Mama's offer, and what does Quincy decide to do?
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What does Mama do after offering to set up the sleeping bags and flashlight for Mattie and Quincy?
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What are some elements present in the garden setting described in the summary?
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How is the atmosphere described, and what role does the moonlight play in the interaction between Mattie and Quincy?
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Study Notes
New Beginnings at Uncle Potluck's
- Mattie Breen is moving back to Uncle Potluck's house due to his upcoming surgery and Mama's new job.
- Uncle Potluck is the custodian at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary where Mattie will be helping out.
- Uncle Potluck's office is orderly, with labeled spots for everything, and even his chair has a label.
- Mattie's mother is neat but gets rid of things whenever they move, leaving behind items that don't fit in a pickup truck.
- Uncle Potluck wants to take Mattie on as his apprentice and declares her "Custodial Apprentice".
- Mattie receives a silver notebook from her mother and decides to use it to document her new role as Custodial Apprentice.
- Mattie feels empowered to make her own plans and finds ways to navigate the school environment that are not restricted by rules.
- Mattie reflects on her decision to write in the notebook and her feelings about her new role.
- The silver notebook represents a fresh start and a sense of control for Mattie.
- Mattie realizes that there are rules at school, but she also discovers areas where she can make her own choices.
- The text highlights the theme of new beginnings and empowerment for Mattie.
- Mattie finds solace and a sense of control in writing and reflecting on her experiences.
Custodial Apprenticeship and School Bullying
- Mattie is a custodial apprentice and is secretly documenting her experiences for posterity.
- She learns the meaning of "posterity" and "custodial" from Uncle Potluck and is inspired to care for the school.
- Uncle Potluck mentors Mattie, and she diligently observes and records custodial tasks.
- They visit the cafeteria, and Uncle Potluck educates Mattie about the cafeteria's routines and challenges.
- Mattie's observation reveals that the cafeteria has 450 seats but acknowledges that having a place to belong is more complex.
- Mattie faces bullying from a classmate, Star, who uses the word "Og-ree" to intimidate her into moving to different spots.
- Quincy Sweet, a classmate, interrupts Mattie's solitude and asks about her writing, mentioning "drawer's block" in drawing.
- Mattie struggles with what to say to Quincy and contemplates her writing.
- This encounter with Quincy challenges Mattie's ability to express herself and deal with social interactions.
- The text portrays Mattie's resilience in the face of bullying and her dedication to her custodial apprenticeship.
- The narrative provides insight into the challenges and growth experienced by a young custodial apprentice in a school environment.
- It also highlights the emotional and social struggles faced by Mattie as she navigates her school experience.
Mattie's Morning Routine and Mama's Tent
- Mattie wakes up early and gets dressed in private before Quincy wakes
- Mama and Miss Sweet are in the kitchen, discussing Quincy and Potluck
- Miss Sweet talks about Potluck's odd behavior, mentioning a story he told her about a psychic in the army
- Quincy gets dressed and asks about prom, Miss Sweet laughs and guides her out
- Quincy expresses sympathy for Moe, which Mattie realizes refers to a sad event
- Mama reminisces about her childhood and suggests a secret code for Mattie and Quincy
- Mama retrieves her old tent from the cellar and sets it up in the yard with Mattie's help
- Mama shares a story about her childhood and her friends camping in the backyard
- Mrs. Diaz-Smith calls Uncle Potluck about a leak, and they investigate it at the school
- Mattie forgets her notebook and resolves to pay extra attention at work
- Mattie imagines a dramatic leak at the school but finds only a few splashes
- Mrs. Diaz-Smith is not in her classroom when they investigate the leak
Bravery and Creativity in "The Adventures of Moe"
- Mattie, a young girl, contemplates bravery while holding a Popsicle and thinking about being brave
- Mattie confronts Quincy, who is occupying her favorite spot, showing a desire to assert herself
- Quincy, calm and collected, politely makes room for Mattie, showing her easygoing nature
- Quincy returns Mattie's notebook, revealing that she read Mattie's private thoughts
- Mattie's notebook contains a story about a button named Moe, and Quincy critiques it, saying it should be more adventurous
- Quincy, an artist, insists she can only draw real things, not imaginary scenarios like Moe's adventures
- Mattie encourages Quincy to try drawing Moe's adventures, and Quincy challenges Mattie to do the same
- The girls attempt to visualize Moe's story, but Quincy struggles to draw without a model
- Quincy hands Mattie a stick and instructs her to pose like a mouse, showing her creative approach to drawing
- Mattie feels self-conscious and wishes she could disappear, showing her vulnerability and lack of confidence
- The interaction between Mattie and Quincy highlights themes of bravery, creativity, and self-expression
- The story captures the girls' journey in exploring their imagination and artistic abilities, and their interaction reflects their different approaches to creativity
Small Brave Thing Summary
- Mattie Breen decides to do a small brave thing and goes outside to find Quincy Sweet.
- Quincy is sitting on a rock with her toolbox and papers, and Mattie joins her.
- Mattie shares a story with Quincy, starting from the end and working backward, about a girl named Star finding her notebook.
- As Mattie tells her story, Quincy encourages her and compliments her storytelling abilities.
- Mattie realizes her talent for storytelling and states it as a fact.
- The two girls look up at the moon, and Quincy shares stories about Duey, Nicolette, and Crystal.
- Mattie understands that these stories matter to Quincy and are her secrets.
- Mama interrupts their conversation and offers to set up sleeping bags and an extra flashlight in the tent for them.
- Quincy decides to sleep in her clothes and Mattie declines the offer to change.
- Mama leaves to attend to other responsibilities.
- The scene is set in a garden, with a stone rabbit, bean tepees, tomato cages, and pumpkin vines.
- The atmosphere is described as half-dark, with the moonlight playing a significant role in the interaction between Mattie and Quincy.
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Description
Explore the adventures of Mattie Breen as she embarks on a new role as Custodial Apprentice under Uncle Potluck's mentorship. Follow Mattie's experiences, reflections, and interactions with classmates as she navigates the challenges of her custodial apprenticeship and deals with themes of empowerment, resilience, bravery, and creativity.