Hound Dog True by Linda Urban True and False

Uncle Potluck believes that when he talks to the moon, the moon talks back.

Mattie feels confident that she will be able to navigate the yard at night without Uncle Potluck's help.

Uncle Potluck grew up in the yard where the story takes place.

Mattie is hesitant to trust the moon as Uncle Potluck does.

Uncle Potluck entrusts Mattie with a veteran light bulb that is to be replaced

Mattie replaces the bulb with a fresh one, envisioning herself standing in front of the class

The text portrays Mattie's external dialogue and her efforts to overcome her shyness

The light bulb is described as having 'gave its life in service of the illumination of youth'

Mattie felt like her name was just a lesson on the whiteboard

Uncle Potluck and Mattie are in Ms. Morgan's fourth-grade classroom at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary School

Mattie is reminded of her experiences at previous schools and her difficulties with introductions

Mattie tries to convince herself that she is 'bold and friendly' like it says on the board

The passage provides insight into the challenges of being the new kid in school and trying to find a sense of belonging

Mattie recalls a particular incident with Mrs. D'Angelo's class where she excelled in introducing herself

Mattie reflects on her previous experiences at new schools and her struggles to make friends

Uncle Potluck and Mattie share a touching moment over the old light bulb

Mattie's mother 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 disorderly, with no labeled spots for anything, and his chair does not have a label.

Mattie's mother keeps everything whenever they move, never 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 gold notebook from her mother and decides to use it to document her new role as Custodial Apprentice.

Mattie feels restricted in making her own plans and finds it difficult to navigate the school environment due to strict rules.

The silver notebook represents a sense of loss and lack of control for Mattie.

Mattie realizes that there are no rules at school, and she has complete freedom in making choices.

The text does not highlight the theme of new beginnings and empowerment for Mattie.

Mattie finds discomfort and a lack of control in writing and reflecting on her experiences.

Mattie finds solace and a sense of control in writing and reflecting on her experiences.

Star reads Mattie's private notebook out loud to change their relationship

Mattie's room used to be her mother's

Mama insists that Mattie have a sleepover with Quincy

Mattie declines the sleepover because she wants to focus on her custodial wisdom notes

Mattie decides to memorize her custodial wisdom notes

Mattie keeps the notebook close to her while whispering the words into the pages

The teachers' arrival at the school was expected

Mattie is unsurprised by the teachers' presence

Mattie wonders why the teachers are at the school

Star is caught stealing money from other kids' belongings

Star tears up Mattie's private notebook and drops the pages on the floor

Miss Sweet's activities are observed by Mattie from her window

Mattie learns various tasks from Uncle Potluck, such as vacuuming safety and mopping preparation

Mattie plans to talk to Uncle Potluck about formally becoming his custodial apprentice

Mattie envisions confidently introducing herself to her new class as a custodial apprentice

Mattie declines the suggestion to hang out with Quincy, feeling uncomfortable in her presence

Uncle Potluck reassures Mattie that there are no marauders in the yard

Mattie has always been shy and school has made her feel skittish and small, especially since fourth grade

Mattie's life changed when she encountered a person named Star in the coatroom behind Mrs. D'Angelo's classroom

Mattie spoke just one word to Star and her experience with Star had a significant impact on her

Quincy is Crystal Sweet's niece and is seen by Mattie as a teenage bra-wearing girl

Mattie encounters a teenage girl named Quincy Sweet outside her house while seeking solitude

Mattie's encounter with Quincy and her aspirations to become a custodial apprentice are central to the story

Mattie is determined to prove herself as a worthy custodial apprentice over the next four days

Uncle Potluck is the DIRECTOR OF CUSTODIAL ARTS at the school.

Mattie shows her janitorial notebook to Mama and Mrs. D'Angelo.

Uncle Potluck sings about eloquence escaping and dances in each hallway.

Mattie feels comfortable and confident in introducing herself to her new class as a custodial apprentice.

Mattie learns the meaning of 'posterity' and 'custodial' from Uncle Potluck.

Uncle Potluck educates Mattie about the cafeteria's routines and challenges.

Mattie's observation reveals that the cafeteria has 450 seats.

Mattie faces bullying from a classmate named Star.

Quincy Sweet interrupts Mattie's solitude and asks about her writing.

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.

Mattie struggles with what to say to Quincy and contemplates her writing.

Uncle Potluck mentors Mattie, and she diligently observes and records custodial tasks.

Mattie's encounter with Quincy challenges her ability to express herself and deal with social interactions.

Mattie learns the meaning of 'posterity' and 'custodial' from her mother.

Star encourages Mattie to join her in bullying other classmates.

Quincy monopolizes the conversation, telling stories about Mattie's family

Mama admires Quincy's matter-of-fact way of speaking

Mattie feels self-conscious in her pajamas, fearing judgment from others

Quincy arrives wearing conventional pajamas and takes over Mattie's sleeping bag

Mama, Uncle Potluck, and Uncle Tommy play cards while Quincy stares at Mattie

Mattie struggles to maintain a matter-of-fact demeanor

Quincy questions Mattie about 'Poor Moe,' prompting an awkward exchange

Mama is preoccupied with Miss Sweet and Uncle Potluck's phone conversation

Mattie agrees to a sleepover with Quincy, feeling pressured by Mama and Uncle Potluck

Mama pretends to be an ER character and gains respect and strength

Quincy questions Mattie about 'Poor Moe' again, making Mattie feel uncomfortable

Mattie sneaks to her room to change into pajamas before Quincy arrives

Quincy uses conventional art supplies to draw the still life of carrots

Mattie feels comfortable with Quincy's casual attitude about her brother's operation

Uncle Potluck interrupts the girls and asks them to bring in the carrots

Mattie lies to her mother about feeling unwell to avoid spending more time with Quincy at Uncle Potluck's house

Mama's story about her early career shows a different side of her, one that Mattie struggles to reconcile with her own image of her mother

The story highlights the complex family dynamics and internal struggles of the characters

Quincy is at Uncle Potluck's house for her own operation

Uncle Potluck's question about her new job shifts Mama's focus from Mattie

Uncle Potluck's rock is used by Quincy as a drawing surface

Mattie reflects on her mother's past experiences and her own fears

Uncle Potluck's first name is mentioned in the text

Quincy only uses traditional art materials for her drawings

Mattie used to name each button on her pajamas when she was little.

Moe, the missing button, symbolizes Mattie's worries and fears.

Mattie struggles to explain her attachment to saying 'Poor Moe' because she feels pressure to match Quincy's unemotional tone.

Mattie writes the truth about Moe in her notebook when everyone is asleep.

Quincy and Miss Sweet spend time together, indicating a growing bond between them.

Mattie and Quincy get ready for the day, and Miss Sweet expresses impatience about Quincy taking a long time to get ready.

Miss Sweet offers to show Quincy pictures of prom, hinting at a nurturing side to her character.

The text explores the dynamics between Mattie, Quincy, and the adults in their lives, highlighting their different personalities and relationships.

Moe, the missing button, is named after Mattie's favorite cartoon character.

Miss Sweet is Mattie's aunt.

Mattie and Quincy plan to go to prom together.

Mattie feels relieved when Quincy takes a long time to get ready.

Mattie waits until everyone is sleeping before sneaking to her room to write in her notebook.

The missing button, Moe, was a mouse-shaped button stitched to a girl's pajamas.

Moe, the missing button, was washed away into the tubes and wires of the washing machine.

The girl in the story is named Mattie Breen.

Mattie wakes up before Quincy in the morning

Mama and Miss Sweet discuss Quincy and Potluck in the kitchen

Quincy expresses sympathy for Moe, which Mattie realizes refers to a sad event

Mama sets up her old tent in the yard with Mattie's help

Mrs. Diaz-Smith is in her classroom when they investigate the leak

Mattie imagines a dramatic leak at the school but finds only a few splashes

Mattie forgets her notebook and resolves to pay extra attention at work

Mama suggests a secret code for Mattie and Quincy

Miss Sweet talks about Potluck's odd behavior, mentioning a story he told her about a psychic in the army

Quincy asks about prom and Miss Sweet guides her out of the kitchen

Quincy spends time with Mattie indicating a growing bond between them

Mattie replaces the bulb with a fresh one, envisioning herself standing in front of the class

Mattie suspects that Quincy read her notebook and that's why she didn't say yes.

Uncle Potluck asks Mattie to help with some weeding in the garden.

Uncle Potluck shares a story about how his knee got injured because of his lazy dog, Stella.

Mattie finishes Uncle Potluck's story about his knee being injured.

Uncle Potluck's phone call is about his laptop, and he hurries back to the house.

Mattie is left alone in the garden, feeling a bit disappointed.

The interaction between Mattie and Uncle Potluck provides a distraction from Mattie's emotional turmoil.

Mattie is eager to help Uncle Potluck and asks questions to engage in conversation.

Uncle Potluck's story about his dog, Stella, and his injury is a humorous and engaging one.

Uncle Potluck's office is disorderly, with no labeled spots for anything, and his chair does not have a label.

Uncle Potluck believes that when he talks to the moon, the moon talks back.

Miss Sweet is Mattie's aunt.

Uncle Potluck and Mattie Mae find a silver bracelet-like object at the bottom of the fountain's big elbow pipe

Uncle Potluck explains the steps to fix the fountain leak, including shutting off the water and replacing a deteriorated washer

Mattie Mae pretends the deteriorated washers are friendship bracelets

Uncle Potluck jokes about a custodial beauty pageant winner juggling plungers while singing 'Don't Stop Believin''

Uncle Potluck lets Mattie keep the pipe bracelet as a reward for her work

Mattie Mae hopes Quincy Sweet won't come over when she arrives home

Mattie Mae plans to take her notebook to the rock and hopes Quincy Sweet will see her writing and not approach

Mattie Mae sees Quincy Sweet outside Crystal Sweet's house trying to get her attention

Crystal Sweet appears dressed up and seems uncertain about whether being 'frosted' is good or not, and suggests asking Mattie along

Mattie Mae's encounter with Quincy and her aspirations to become a custodial apprentice are central to the story

Star encourages Mattie to join her in bullying other classmates

Mattie realizes that there are no rules at school, and she has complete freedom in making choices

Mattie finds comfort in holding Miney tightly and reassures herself that everything will be okay.

Uncle Potluck involves Mattie in the doorknob installation process, teaching her the steps and asking for her expertise in opening the door.

Mattie reflects on her feelings of helplessness and her desire for a sense of purpose and contribution in her current situation.

The text focuses on Mattie's internal struggle and her longing to find her place and purpose within her environment.

The text portrays Mattie's journey of self-discovery and her yearning for a sense of agency and significance in her life.

Uncle Potluck refers to the day as 'D-day' while they are working at Mitchell P. Anderson Elementary, and Mattie is contemplating when to discuss her custodial apprentice plans with him.

Uncle Potluck leaves Mattie alone in the nurse's room to attend to Principal Bonnet's request, and Mattie is left feeling uncertain about her role and abilities.

Mattie offers to help Uncle Potluck, but he insists that she rests while he handles the tasks on his own.

The text does not highlight the theme of new beginnings and empowerment for Mattie.

Miss Sweet calls to inform Uncle Potluck that she and Quincy are having an 'awesome time' at a restaurant and she won't need Quincy to sleep over.

Uncle Potluck and Mattie are preparing to install doorknobs in the administrative office, and Uncle Potluck requests that Mattie doesn't include the detail of him saluting Principal Bonnet in her notebook.

Mattie is feeling a sense of helplessness and confusion after witnessing an accident involving Uncle Potluck and a dog, and is unsure of what to do next.

Mattie is confident that Uncle Potluck will support her custodial apprentice plans.

Mattie is focused on Uncle Potluck's hands and the doorknob installation process.

Uncle Potluck is the one who suggests that Mattie should not bother with lunches and recesses and should stick to janitorial pursuits.

Mattie and Uncle Potluck are preparing to clean the administrative office after the doorknobs are installed.

Mattie's Popsicle is the kind that can be broken in half and shared with someone else.

Principal Bonnet explains that bravery is subjective and depends on individual fears.

Mattie's Popsicle is raspberry-flavored, purchased by Mama after Uncle Potluck's injury.

Mattie contemplates the absence of a clear path for overcoming fears without guidance or clarity.

Principal Bonnet tells Mattie 'You can't have brave without scared' during their time at the hospital waiting room.

Mattie's Popsicle is grape-flavored, purchased by Mama after Uncle Potluck's injury.

Mattie is struggling with guilt and uncertainty about what she fears and how to face it.

Principal Bonnet emphasizes the importance of taking big brave steps to overcome fears.

Mattie wishes for Uncle Potluck's recovery and for Quincy Sweet to disappear.

Mattie contemplates the absence of a clear path for overcoming fears with guidance or clarity.

Principal Bonnet shares a personal story about her first serious climb to illustrate bravery.

Principal Bonnet and Mattie discuss how facing fears can be considered acts of bravery.

Mattie accidentally locks herself in the principal's office while installing a doorknob.

Mattie hears Uncle Potluck singing outside and tries to call for help but he can't hear her over the chaos caused by tripping over the vacuum cord.

Principal Bonnet eventually helps Uncle Potluck and Mattie, showing that they both need assistance.

Mattie feels sorry for the situation and wishes she could have been a better custodial apprentice.

Uncle Potluck's question about her new job shifts Mama's focus from Mattie

Quincy monopolizes the conversation, telling stories about Mattie's family

Miss Sweet talks about Potluck's odd behavior, mentioning a story he told her about a psychic in the army

Mattie replaces the bulb with a fresh one, envisioning herself standing in front of the class

Mattie has always been shy and school has made her feel skittish and small, especially since fourth grade

Uncle Potluck lets Mattie keep the pipe bracelet as a reward for her work

The narrative provides insight into the challenges and growth experienced by a young custodial apprentice in a school environment.

Mattie finds solace and a sense of control in writing and reflecting on her experiences.

Mattie encourages Quincy to try drawing Moe's adventures, and Quincy challenges Mattie to do the same

Quincy, an artist, insists she can only draw real things, not imaginary scenarios like Moe's adventures

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 story captures the girls' journey in exploring their imagination and artistic abilities, and their interaction reflects their different approaches to creativity

Mattie, a young girl, contemplates bravery while holding a Popsicle and thinking about being brave

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

The interaction between Mattie and Quincy highlights themes of bravery, creativity, and self-expression

Mattie's notebook contains a story about a button named Moe, and Quincy critiques it, saying it should be more adventurous

Mattie confronts Quincy, who is occupying her favorite spot, showing a desire to assert herself

Mattie and Quincy play in the woods pretending to fight off 'The Lint'

Quincy mistakes Mattie for 'The Lint' and they engage in a playful sword fight using sticks

They imagine themselves as characters in a make-believe world, with Mattie as 'Moe' and Quincy as 'Lint Girl'

The game takes a more serious turn when they encounter a threat in the form of 'Evil Lint'

Moe risks her safety to save Lint Girl from a dangerous situation involving a washing machine coil

Quincy and Mattie share a quiet moment, contemplating talking to the moon, and they plan to sleep in a tent that night to do so

Mattie reflects on her Uncle Potluck and how he might handle the situation if he were there

Mattie and Quincy are interrupted by Miss Sweet calling Quincy inside, but they plan to talk to the moon later

Mattie wishes her Uncle Potluck could join them but he is resting due to a knee injury

Mattie reflects on her fondness for her Uncle Potluck and his stories

Mattie considers what her Uncle Potluck would say to the moon in front of Quincy

Mattie and Quincy rush back to safety in their soap dispenser home after a thrilling adventure

Mattie feels regret about showing her janitorial notebook to Quincy.

Mattie is hesitant to trust Quincy as a friend.

Mattie is looking for ways to avoid talking to the moon in front of Quincy.

Mattie's Uncle Potluck is in the hospital during the events of the story.

Uncle Potluck uses corn to give readings about the future

Principal Bonnet participates in the corn reading activity

Miss Sweet discusses tween culture and Quincy's physical development

Quincy reacts strongly to Miss Sweet's comments

Quincy abruptly grabs the corncob and chomps on it

The interaction between Miss Sweet and Quincy reveals tension in their relationship

Principal Bonnet visits Mattie's house to check on Uncle Potluck

Uncle Potluck's unconventional abilities are not revealed

Miss Sweet makes predictions about Quincy's future based on the corn

Principal Bonnet is dressed casually, not like a principal

Quincy suggests people may not have understood Stella

A shiny black car arrives at Mattie's house

Mattie hesitates to join Quincy in the kitchen because she feels self-conscious about her eagerness.

Mattie tries different types of smiles in her reflection and shifts her attention to the moon for solace.

Uncle Tommy and Uncle Potluck engage in storytelling, inspiring Mattie to fill the kitchen with stories.

Quincy steps out of the rental house with a red face and no makeup, stating she has figured out what to tell the moon.

Mattie shares a story with Quincy, starting from the beginning and working forward, about a girl named Star finding her notebook.

Miss Sweet teases Quincy for washing off the makeup.

Quincy decides to sleep in her clothes for the night.

Uncle Potluck's story about Stella ends with the dog leading people to him.

The scene is set in a garden, with a stone rabbit, bean tepees, tomato cages, and pumpkin vines.

Everyone, including Quincy, laughs at the story, creating a lighthearted atmosphere.

Mama interrupts their conversation and offers to set up sleeping bags and an extra flashlight in the tent for them.

The family dynamics show affection and humor, with Uncle Potluck and Miss Sweet lightening the mood.

Mattie understands that the stories Quincy shares matter to her and are her secrets.

Mattie's internal thoughts and interactions with family members reflect her desire for acceptance and connection.

The atmosphere is described as brightly lit, with no mention of moonlight playing a significant role in the interaction between Mattie and Quincy.

Quincy uses conventional art supplies to draw the still life of carrots.

Quincy shares stories about Duey, Nicolette, and Crystal.

Mattie and Uncle Potluck are preparing to clean the administrative office after the doorknobs are installed.

Quincy insists on drawing only real things, not imaginary scenarios like Moe's adventures.

The narrative provides insight into the challenges and growth experienced by a young custodial apprentice in a school environment.

Mattie decides to change into pajamas before Quincy arrives.

Mama, Uncle Potluck, and Uncle Tommy play cards while Quincy stares at Mattie.

Mattie and Quincy plan to go to prom together.

Quincy, an artist, politely makes room for Mattie, showing her easygoing nature.

Mattie listens to the sounds outside the tent, including Uncle Tommy's motorcycle and Miss Sweet leaving for work.

Mattie introduces herself as a writer and feels self-conscious about it.

The story emphasizes the theme of courage and connection, showcasing Mattie's bravery in sharing her passion for writing.

The narrative highlights the importance of speaking about what matters most and the possibility of finding a real friend who will listen.

The author's journey in creating the novel is acknowledged, emphasizing the support and encouragement received from various individuals and organizations.

The text then shifts to Ms. Morgan's fifth-grade class, where students introduce themselves with interesting facts.

Mattie feels nervous as the students introduce themselves one by one.

Mattie is surprised by what she has written the next morning, feeling it's a good beginning.

Mattie is inspired to write a story and begins writing on a paper bag.

Mattie and her mother are in a tent, where Mattie is writing and Quincy is drawing.

Mattie's introspective thoughts about her classmates and her own self-consciousness add depth to the story.

Quincy is at Uncle Potluck's house for her own operation.