Podcast
Questions and Answers
What disease did the narrator claim to have?
What disease did the narrator claim to have?
Which symptoms did the narrator mention as part of the made-up disease?
Which symptoms did the narrator mention as part of the made-up disease?
Why did the narrator claim to have this fake disease?
Why did the narrator claim to have this fake disease?
What is Katie's attitude towards middle school?
What is Katie's attitude towards middle school?
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What did the parents say when the protagonist asked them to intervene?
What did the parents say when the protagonist asked them to intervene?
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What reason did Auntie Buzz give for not siding with the protagonist?
What reason did Auntie Buzz give for not siding with the protagonist?
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Why did the protagonist feel ignored by Sarah and Daniel?
Why did the protagonist feel ignored by Sarah and Daniel?
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What is the central theme of the text?
What is the central theme of the text?
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What does the narrator spend his classes doing?
What does the narrator spend his classes doing?
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What does the narrator's friend, JonPaul, prioritize?
What does the narrator's friend, JonPaul, prioritize?
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What does the narrator become oblivious to due to his focus on Tina?
What does the narrator become oblivious to due to his focus on Tina?
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What is the narrator's main struggle?
What is the narrator's main struggle?
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What is the narrator's main focus during lunchtime?
What is the narrator's main focus during lunchtime?
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What does the narrator carefully observe about Tina?
What does the narrator carefully observe about Tina?
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What is the narrator's friend, JonPaul, uninterested in?
What is the narrator's friend, JonPaul, uninterested in?
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What is the narrator's determination regarding Tina?
What is the narrator's determination regarding Tina?
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What is the narrator's attitude towards pursuing Tina?
What is the narrator's attitude towards pursuing Tina?
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What is the narrator's first experience with?
What is the narrator's first experience with?
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What does the text capture about young love and infatuation?
What does the text capture about young love and infatuation?
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What rare medical condition does the protagonist fabricate to avoid working with Katie?
What rare medical condition does the protagonist fabricate to avoid working with Katie?
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How does Katie react to the protagonist's fabricated medical condition?
How does Katie react to the protagonist's fabricated medical condition?
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What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina Zabinski signify?
What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina Zabinski signify?
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How does the protagonist's reaction to Tina challenge his previous understanding of emotions?
How does the protagonist's reaction to Tina challenge his previous understanding of emotions?
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What does the text portray through the protagonist's web of lies and sudden infatuation?
What does the text portray through the protagonist's web of lies and sudden infatuation?
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How does the protagonist's dishonesty create a win-win situation?
How does the protagonist's dishonesty create a win-win situation?
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What does the protagonist's reaction to Tina's presence lead him to do?
What does the protagonist's reaction to Tina's presence lead him to do?
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What is significant about the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina?
What is significant about the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina?
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How does the protagonist describe his reaction to Tina, in relation to his previous behavior towards girls?
How does the protagonist describe his reaction to Tina, in relation to his previous behavior towards girls?
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What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina signify in his personal development?
What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina signify in his personal development?
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What range of symptoms does the protagonist list for the fabricated medical condition?
What range of symptoms does the protagonist list for the fabricated medical condition?
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What does the protagonist use as inspiration for winning over the girl?
What does the protagonist use as inspiration for winning over the girl?
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What strategies does the protagonist plan to apply to impress the girl?
What strategies does the protagonist plan to apply to impress the girl?
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What does the protagonist believe about his true self in winning the girl over?
What does the protagonist believe about his true self in winning the girl over?
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What causes conflicts within the protagonist's family?
What causes conflicts within the protagonist's family?
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Who asserts dominance as the only legal driver of the shared car?
Who asserts dominance as the only legal driver of the shared car?
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What causes transportation challenges for the protagonist?
What causes transportation challenges for the protagonist?
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What is the protagonist's attitude towards his ability to be a great boyfriend?
What is the protagonist's attitude towards his ability to be a great boyfriend?
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What does Auntie Buzz intend for the family regarding the shared car?
What does Auntie Buzz intend for the family regarding the shared car?
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How does the protagonist feel about resorting to lying or subterfuge to win the girl over?
How does the protagonist feel about resorting to lying or subterfuge to win the girl over?
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What does the story provide insight into?
What does the story provide insight into?
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What is the protagonist's opinion about his siblings attending high school while he is still in middle school?
What is the protagonist's opinion about his siblings attending high school while he is still in middle school?
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What does Kevin hastily choose as the topic for the social studies independent study project?
What does Kevin hastily choose as the topic for the social studies independent study project?
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What is the theme showcased in the text?
What is the theme showcased in the text?
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What does the story emphasize about Kevin's project partner, Katie?
What does the story emphasize about Kevin's project partner, Katie?
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What topic do Kevin's friends, JonPaul and Jay D, have for their project?
What topic do Kevin's friends, JonPaul and Jay D, have for their project?
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What does Kevin feel embarrassed about in comparison to his friends' project topic?
What does Kevin feel embarrassed about in comparison to his friends' project topic?
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What does Kevin lie to Katie about?
What does Kevin lie to Katie about?
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What does the text highlight about Kevin's approach to the project?
What does the text highlight about Kevin's approach to the project?
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What is Mr. Crosby's role in the social studies independent study project?
What is Mr. Crosby's role in the social studies independent study project?
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What does Kevin's reluctance to work with Katie reveal about his character?
What does Kevin's reluctance to work with Katie reveal about his character?
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What does Kevin's choice of project topic demonstrate?
What does Kevin's choice of project topic demonstrate?
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What is the main focus of the social studies independent study project?
What is the main focus of the social studies independent study project?
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What does Kevin's attempt to avoid working with Katie reveal about his attitude?
What does Kevin's attempt to avoid working with Katie reveal about his attitude?
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What does Daniel think about Sarah's behavior?
What does Daniel think about Sarah's behavior?
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How does Sarah's behavior affect her siblings?
How does Sarah's behavior affect her siblings?
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What is the protagonist's reaction to Sarah's behavior?
What is the protagonist's reaction to Sarah's behavior?
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How does Sarah typically respond to conflict?
How does Sarah typically respond to conflict?
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What does the narrator's family fail to focus on due to their individual pursuits?
What does the narrator's family fail to focus on due to their individual pursuits?
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What does the narrator's punishment for Sarah and Daniel emphasize?
What does the narrator's punishment for Sarah and Daniel emphasize?
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What does the narrator's realization about the family dynamics lead to?
What does the narrator's realization about the family dynamics lead to?
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What does the narrator's decision to skip certain classes signify?
What does the narrator's decision to skip certain classes signify?
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What does the narrator's resourcefulness in using a lie about managing the wrestling team to skip a class demonstrate?
What does the narrator's resourcefulness in using a lie about managing the wrestling team to skip a class demonstrate?
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What is the main theme highlighted in the text?
What is the main theme highlighted in the text?
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What is Kevin's main objective for skipping classes and participating in various school activities?
What is Kevin's main objective for skipping classes and participating in various school activities?
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What method does Kevin plan to use to win Tina's affection?
What method does Kevin plan to use to win Tina's affection?
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What derogatory behavior does Kevin display towards Tina's best friend, Connie?
What derogatory behavior does Kevin display towards Tina's best friend, Connie?
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What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with, while he focuses on getting closer to Tina?
What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with, while he focuses on getting closer to Tina?
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What strategy does Kevin plan to apply to impress Tina and become her boyfriend?
What strategy does Kevin plan to apply to impress Tina and become her boyfriend?
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What does Kevin fabricate in order to obtain hall passes for skipping classes?
What does Kevin fabricate in order to obtain hall passes for skipping classes?
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What is Kevin's plan regarding joining the student government?
What is Kevin's plan regarding joining the student government?
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What does Kevin prioritize over academic performance?
What does Kevin prioritize over academic performance?
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What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with?
What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with?
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What does Kevin plan to do in order to become Tina's official boyfriend?
What does Kevin plan to do in order to become Tina's official boyfriend?
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What does Kevin's plan to avoid classes reveal about his character?
What does Kevin's plan to avoid classes reveal about his character?
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What is Kevin's main focus in his elaborate plan?
What is Kevin's main focus in his elaborate plan?
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What is the protagonist's strategic plan to get closer to Tina?
What is the protagonist's strategic plan to get closer to Tina?
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What concern does the protagonist's friend JonPaul express?
What concern does the protagonist's friend JonPaul express?
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What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
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What does the protagonist discuss about his friend JonPaul?
What does the protagonist discuss about his friend JonPaul?
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What is the protagonist's main focus during the student government meeting?
What is the protagonist's main focus during the student government meeting?
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Who does the protagonist sit with during the student government meeting?
Who does the protagonist sit with during the student government meeting?
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What role does Tina play during the student government meeting?
What role does Tina play during the student government meeting?
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What is the protagonist's plan for involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
What is the protagonist's plan for involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
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What does the protagonist aim to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
What does the protagonist aim to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
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What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
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What does the protagonist aim to achieve by involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
What does the protagonist aim to achieve by involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
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What does the protagonist plan to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
What does the protagonist plan to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
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What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
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What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
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What does JonPaul do with his snacks before consuming them?
What does JonPaul do with his snacks before consuming them?
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What does JonPaul obsessively discuss with his friend?
What does JonPaul obsessively discuss with his friend?
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How does JonPaul's friend feel when JonPaul leaves?
How does JonPaul's friend feel when JonPaul leaves?
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How does JonPaul's friend describe their relationship with another friend?
How does JonPaul's friend describe their relationship with another friend?
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What does JonPaul's friend do when he receives an email from Katie?
What does JonPaul's friend do when he receives an email from Katie?
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What is the friend's main concern about JonPaul's behavior?
What is the friend's main concern about JonPaul's behavior?
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What does the friend feel about his detachment from interactions with other friends?
What does the friend feel about his detachment from interactions with other friends?
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What does the text primarily depict about JonPaul?
What does the text primarily depict about JonPaul?
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What does the friend's comparison of his relationship with another friend signify?
What does the friend's comparison of his relationship with another friend signify?
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What does the friend's detachment from interactions with other friends indicate?
What does the friend's detachment from interactions with other friends indicate?
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What does Auntie Buzz's high-energy personality lead her to consume?
What does Auntie Buzz's high-energy personality lead her to consume?
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What does Auntie Buzz hire Daniel and his hockey team to do?
What does Auntie Buzz hire Daniel and his hockey team to do?
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What does Auntie Buzz's comment about her spring-break marriage in Cancún reveal?
What does Auntie Buzz's comment about her spring-break marriage in Cancún reveal?
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What does Auntie Buzz offer as payment to Daniel and his hockey team for their work?
What does Auntie Buzz offer as payment to Daniel and his hockey team for their work?
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What form of communication does the narrator use to engage with various individuals?
What form of communication does the narrator use to engage with various individuals?
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What action does the narrator take after his mother refuses to allow him to attend a music festival?
What action does the narrator take after his mother refuses to allow him to attend a music festival?
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What effect does the mother's silence have on the household?
What effect does the mother's silence have on the household?
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What does the narrator justify his actions by comparing?
What does the narrator justify his actions by comparing?
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What does the text portray the struggle between?
What does the text portray the struggle between?
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What do the narrator's actions and justifications reveal?
What do the narrator's actions and justifications reveal?
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What does the text highlight about the internal conflict experienced by the narrator?
What does the text highlight about the internal conflict experienced by the narrator?
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What do the narrator's actions reflect?
What do the narrator's actions reflect?
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What is the main focus of the text?
What is the main focus of the text?
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What does the narrator's manipulation of his father and mother's lack of communication create?
What does the narrator's manipulation of his father and mother's lack of communication create?
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What does the text capture about the narrator's struggle?
What does the text capture about the narrator's struggle?
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What does the narrator's desire for independence and a sense of injustice in the family dynamics reflect?
What does the narrator's desire for independence and a sense of injustice in the family dynamics reflect?
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What is the protagonist primarily struggling with?
What is the protagonist primarily struggling with?
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What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
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How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
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What is the protagonist's main feeling towards the child's parents?
What is the protagonist's main feeling towards the child's parents?
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How does the protagonist feel about being away from home while babysitting?
How does the protagonist feel about being away from home while babysitting?
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What does the child ask the protagonist while babysitting?
What does the child ask the protagonist while babysitting?
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How does the protagonist respond to the child's questions?
How does the protagonist respond to the child's questions?
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What is the child's behavior like when left to play outside?
What is the child's behavior like when left to play outside?
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What does the protagonist find overwhelming while babysitting?
What does the protagonist find overwhelming while babysitting?
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What is the protagonist's primary feeling towards the child's parents?
What is the protagonist's primary feeling towards the child's parents?
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What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
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How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
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What does the protagonist do with Auntie Buzz's bag of unopened bills?
What does the protagonist do with Auntie Buzz's bag of unopened bills?
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What does the protagonist do after using his math skills to balance Auntie Buzz's checkbook?
What does the protagonist do after using his math skills to balance Auntie Buzz's checkbook?
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What does the protagonist feel conflicted about?
What does the protagonist feel conflicted about?
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What is Auntie Buzz focused on besides her financial troubles?
What is Auntie Buzz focused on besides her financial troubles?
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How does the protagonist feel after helping Auntie Buzz with her financial situation?
How does the protagonist feel after helping Auntie Buzz with her financial situation?
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What does Auntie Buzz do when she receives registered letters from the government?
What does Auntie Buzz do when she receives registered letters from the government?
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What does the protagonist do after discovering Auntie Buzz's financial situation?
What does the protagonist do after discovering Auntie Buzz's financial situation?
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What is the protagonist's initial reaction to Auntie Buzz's financial troubles?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to Auntie Buzz's financial troubles?
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What is the primary cause of emotional distance within the protagonist's family?
What is the primary cause of emotional distance within the protagonist's family?
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What do the siblings' silent and unnatural movements as they leave the house symbolize?
What do the siblings' silent and unnatural movements as they leave the house symbolize?
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What does Sarah acknowledge about the father's unawareness of the cat?
What does Sarah acknowledge about the father's unawareness of the cat?
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What do the siblings reveal about their awareness of the family's issues?
What do the siblings reveal about their awareness of the family's issues?
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What does the protagonist realize about his relationship with his father?
What does the protagonist realize about his relationship with his father?
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How do the family members' preoccupations impact their connection with each other?
How do the family members' preoccupations impact their connection with each other?
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What do the siblings' quick and silent exit from the house indicate?
What do the siblings' quick and silent exit from the house indicate?
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What is the mother's emotional distress evident from during the conversation?
What is the mother's emotional distress evident from during the conversation?
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What does the family's dysfunction and emotional distance become evident from?
What does the family's dysfunction and emotional distance become evident from?
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What does the family's disconnection further highlight?
What does the family's disconnection further highlight?
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What is the impact of the father's disconnect from the family and lack of involvement in household responsibilities?
What is the impact of the father's disconnect from the family and lack of involvement in household responsibilities?
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How are the family's disconnection and dysfunction further highlighted?
How are the family's disconnection and dysfunction further highlighted?
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What does the narrator recall about a coded message from World War II when JonPaul turns away from him?
What does the narrator recall about a coded message from World War II when JonPaul turns away from him?
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What does the narrator understand about the definition of surrender?
What does the narrator understand about the definition of surrender?
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What does the narrator recall about the feeling of surrender?
What does the narrator recall about the feeling of surrender?
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What does the narrator realize about JonPaul's reaction towards him?
What does the narrator realize about JonPaul's reaction towards him?
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What activity did the protagonist reluctantly join?
What activity did the protagonist reluctantly join?
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What does the protagonist plan to write for the school newspaper?
What does the protagonist plan to write for the school newspaper?
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What change occurs in the family dynamics?
What change occurs in the family dynamics?
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What does Auntie Buzz decide not to pursue?
What does Auntie Buzz decide not to pursue?
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What does the mother introduce for the family to read together?
What does the mother introduce for the family to read together?
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What do the siblings agree to do together?
What do the siblings agree to do together?
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What does the family plan to start doing every night?
What does the family plan to start doing every night?
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What does the protagonist reflect on the importance of?
What does the protagonist reflect on the importance of?
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What does the protagonist receive from his best friend after reconciling?
What does the protagonist receive from his best friend after reconciling?
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What does the protagonist do to win back favor with other friends?
What does the protagonist do to win back favor with other friends?
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What does the protagonist do when he learns about a friend's parents' divorce?
What does the protagonist do when he learns about a friend's parents' divorce?
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What does the wrestling coach provide to the protagonist?
What does the wrestling coach provide to the protagonist?
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What does the protagonist hope for in the future regarding Tina?
What does the protagonist hope for in the future regarding Tina?
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What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
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What is the protagonist's main concern about his apologies?
What is the protagonist's main concern about his apologies?
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What does the protagonist anticipate facing after a 'craptastic' day?
What does the protagonist anticipate facing after a 'craptastic' day?
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What does the protagonist try to volunteer for at school?
What does the protagonist try to volunteer for at school?
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Who does the protagonist avoid apologizing to?
Who does the protagonist avoid apologizing to?
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What does the father consider doing in response to the family's situation?
What does the father consider doing in response to the family's situation?
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What does the family intend to discuss with the protagonist?
What does the family intend to discuss with the protagonist?
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What role does the protagonist seek in the wrestling team?
What role does the protagonist seek in the wrestling team?
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What does the protagonist worry about in relation to his apologies?
What does the protagonist worry about in relation to his apologies?
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What does the protagonist avoid doing in relation to Tina?
What does the protagonist avoid doing in relation to Tina?
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What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
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What consequences does Kevin face for his actions?
What consequences does Kevin face for his actions?
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What does Kevin do to make amends for his actions?
What does Kevin do to make amends for his actions?
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What hope do Kevin's parents express regarding his relationships with his siblings?
What hope do Kevin's parents express regarding his relationships with his siblings?
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How does Kevin's teacher respond to his completed homework and extra-credit assignments?
How does Kevin's teacher respond to his completed homework and extra-credit assignments?
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What does the text highlight as a central theme?
What does the text highlight as a central theme?
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How do Kevin's peers, including Katie, react to him?
How do Kevin's peers, including Katie, react to him?
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What does Kevin's completion of his homework and extra-credit assignments result in?
What does Kevin's completion of his homework and extra-credit assignments result in?
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What is the text's focus regarding family dynamics and relationships?
What is the text's focus regarding family dynamics and relationships?
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What is the requirement imposed on Kevin by his parents due to the car situation?
What is the requirement imposed on Kevin by his parents due to the car situation?
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What does Kevin explain about his relationships with his siblings?
What does Kevin explain about his relationships with his siblings?
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What does the family share, indicating a moment of togetherness?
What does the family share, indicating a moment of togetherness?
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What does the text emphasize about Kevin's approach to his project partner, Katie?
What does the text emphasize about Kevin's approach to his project partner, Katie?
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What action does the protagonist take after receiving a furious message from Auntie Buzz regarding financial meddling?
What action does the protagonist take after receiving a furious message from Auntie Buzz regarding financial meddling?
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How does the protagonist feel after delivering the apology letters face to face?
How does the protagonist feel after delivering the apology letters face to face?
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What is the protagonist's decision regarding facing the consequences of his actions?
What is the protagonist's decision regarding facing the consequences of his actions?
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What does the protagonist reflect on after receiving mixed reactions to the apology letters?
What does the protagonist reflect on after receiving mixed reactions to the apology letters?
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What does the text emphasize about the protagonist's actions?
What does the text emphasize about the protagonist's actions?
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How does the protagonist feel about certain individuals not being around to receive their apology letters?
How does the protagonist feel about certain individuals not being around to receive their apology letters?
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What is the protagonist's initial reaction to receiving a dismissive response from a teacher?
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to receiving a dismissive response from a teacher?
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How does the protagonist feel about the apology letters?
How does the protagonist feel about the apology letters?
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What does the protagonist reflect on after being fired from a part-time job?
What does the protagonist reflect on after being fired from a part-time job?
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What is the protagonist's response to the dismissive reaction from a teacher?
What is the protagonist's response to the dismissive reaction from a teacher?
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How does the protagonist feel about the consequences of his actions?
How does the protagonist feel about the consequences of his actions?
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What is the protagonist's main focus after reflecting on the mistake?
What is the protagonist's main focus after reflecting on the mistake?
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Study Notes
Navigating Teenage Life and Family Dynamics
- The protagonist is a teenager trying to figure out how to get a girl to notice him in a positive way.
- He draws inspiration from observing his four-year-old neighbor and turns to military history books for ideas on how to win over the girl.
- He plans to apply military strategies such as foresight, bravery, skill, and reconnaissance to impress the girl.
- The protagonist is confident in his ability to be a great boyfriend, listing his positive qualities and popularity among friends.
- He is also willing to resort to lying or subterfuge if necessary, but believes that his true self is enough to win the girl over.
- The protagonist's family consists of his older sister, Sarah, his brother, Daniel, and their absent parents.
- The family shares a car given to them by their Auntie Buzz, leading to conflicts over its use and ownership.
- Auntie Buzz initially intended for the family to share the car, but it causes more problems than it solves.
- The siblings argue over who gets to use the car, with Sarah asserting her dominance as the only legal driver.
- The protagonist feels left out as his siblings attend high school while he is still in middle school, causing transportation challenges.
- The family dynamics involve power struggles and conflicts over the shared car, adding to the protagonist's challenges in navigating teenage life.
- The story provides insight into the protagonist's inner thoughts, family relationships, and the complexities of teenage life.
Social Studies Independent Study Project
- Students are assigned a social studies independent study project, which includes a ten-page paper and an oral presentation on a relevant aspect of government for young citizens.
- The teacher, Mr. Crosby, pairs the students as project partners, and there is no option to switch partners once assigned.
- The protagonist, Kevin, is paired with Katie, whom he tries to avoid, as she is persistent in contacting him about the project.
- Katie presents Kevin with a packet of research ideas and abstracts, demonstrating her organization and attention to detail.
- Kevin hastily chooses a topic without fully understanding it, settling on "the analysis of data collected during the most recent national census about the underserved population and how they interact with and regard the government services structure, especially pertaining to the link between educational grants and future acts of public service."
- Kevin's friends, JonPaul and Jay D, have a more interesting project topic that involves exploring the link between the World Series and voter turnout in presidential elections.
- Kevin feels embarrassed about his uninteresting project topic compared to his friends' more engaging topic.
- Kevin lies to Katie about having medical issues that may prevent him from contributing to the project, in an attempt to get out of working with her.
- The story showcases the protagonist's reluctance to work with Katie and his desire to switch project partners.
- The text highlights the contrast between Katie's diligent approach to the project and Kevin's lack of interest and effort.
- There is a theme of peer pressure and the protagonist's struggle to navigate social dynamics within the context of the project.
- The text provides insight into the protagonist's internal conflict and his attempts to avoid responsibility for the project.
Friend's Obsessive Health Habits
- JonPaul is a tall, muscular, and disciplined athlete who fears illness and avoids close contact with others.
- He plays full-contact sports but obsessively washes his equipment and uniforms after every practice and game.
- JonPaul's fear of illness leads him to extreme hygiene practices, including disinfecting his gym clothes and using industrial-sized bottles of bleach and detergent.
- He is engrossed in pouring out individual portions of raw almonds and golden raisins into sterilized cereal bowls.
- Despite attempts to change the subject, JonPaul fixates on discussing the health benefits of organic peanut butter and its impact on digestive health.
- His friend becomes concerned when JonPaul appears to have a physical reaction after eating the peanut butter sandwich.
- JonPaul's behavior makes his friend certain that he will eventually develop a more realistic perspective on his health obsession.
- His friend feels a sense of relief when JonPaul leaves, allowing him to enjoy bananas dipped in melted chocolate chips without hearing about health concerns.
- The friend compares his relationship with another friend to that of allies, not buddies, indicating a lack of emotional closeness.
- He receives an email from Katie, asking for proofreading, and responds positively without actually reading the content.
- The text depicts JonPaul's extreme health obsession and its impact on his relationships with others, particularly his friend.
- The friend's concerns about JonPaul's behavior and his own detachment from the interactions with other friends are evident throughout the text.
Auntie Buzz's Financial Troubles
- Auntie Buzz is facing financial troubles and receiving registered letters from the government.
- She is avoiding opening the bills until she has the money to pay them.
- The protagonist, a 14-year-old, offers to help Auntie Buzz with her financial situation.
- Auntie Buzz is in a lot of trouble and needs more help than the protagonist's siblings.
- The protagonist secretly takes Auntie Buzz's bag of unopened bills to sort through them.
- He uses his math skills to balance Auntie Buzz's checkbook and discovers she has a lot of money.
- The protagonist calls the IRS pretending to be Auntie Buzz and sets up a monthly repayment plan for her.
- Auntie Buzz is unaware that her financial problems have been solved by the protagonist.
- The protagonist feels conflicted about asking Auntie Buzz for advice on another matter.
- Auntie Buzz is focused on creating a demo reel to be hired as a television show host.
- The protagonist feels a sense of accomplishment for helping Auntie Buzz and has second thoughts about asking for her advice.
- The story emphasizes the protagonist's financial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Family Dynamics and Disconnection
- The protagonist contemplates wearing a concert T-shirt to impress a girl named Tina and make himself appear cool and alternative.
- The protagonist overhears a tense conversation between his parents, revealing his father's disconnect from the family and lack of involvement in household responsibilities.
- The father's constant business trips and preoccupation with work have caused a significant emotional distance within the family.
- The protagonist realizes that he, too, has been detached from his father's life and actions.
- The family members are all preoccupied with their own schedules and responsibilities, leading to a lack of connection with each other.
- The mother's emotional distress is evident as she is heard crying during the conversation.
- The siblings, Sarah and Daniel, are also impacted by the tense family dynamics, as they make a quick and silent exit from the house.
- The family's disconnection is further highlighted as the siblings discuss their awareness of the family's issues and the lack of attention given to their pet cat.
- Sarah acknowledges that the father's unawareness of the cat is just a symptom of the larger family problems.
- The siblings reveal that they have been aware of the family's issues for a few months, indicating a prolonged period of tension and disconnect.
- The family's dysfunction and emotional distance are evident as the siblings discuss their awareness of the family's problems in a somber and resigned manner.
- The family's disconnection is symbolized by the siblings' silent and unnatural movements as they leave the house, highlighting their emotional detachment from the situation.
Teen Apology Tour
- Protagonist reflects on a major mistake and vows to take bold action with no fear
- Decides to apologize for his actions and take responsibility for the consequences
- Spends a week writing specific apology letters to everyone involved
- Receives a furious message from Auntie Buzz regarding financial meddling
- Responds with a lengthy apology, only to be fired from a part-time job
- Begins to feel better after delivering the apology letters face to face
- Receives mixed reactions, including a dismissive response from a teacher
- Feels relieved when certain individuals are not around to receive their apology letters
- Decides to delay facing the consequences of his actions until Monday
- Reflects on a plan B to win back respect and trust in the future
- Emphasizes the importance of facing consequences and taking responsibility
- Conveys the protagonist's struggle to make amends and seek forgiveness
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