199 Questions
What disease did the narrator claim to have?
Chronic, degenerative, relapsing-remitting inflammobetigoitis
Which symptoms did the narrator mention as part of the made-up disease?
Mono, plantar warts, shingles
Why did the narrator claim to have this fake disease?
To avoid working with Katie for a school project
What is Katie's attitude towards middle school?
She considers it a waste of time
What did the parents say when the protagonist asked them to intervene?
Your car, your solution
What reason did Auntie Buzz give for not siding with the protagonist?
The protagonist lives close enough to walk to school
Why did the protagonist feel ignored by Sarah and Daniel?
Sarah left with the car as if the protagonist didn't exist
What is the central theme of the text?
The struggles of expressing romantic feelings
What does the narrator spend his classes doing?
Obsessing over Tina and jotting down details about her
What does the narrator's friend, JonPaul, prioritize?
Health and hygiene
What does the narrator become oblivious to due to his focus on Tina?
His friends and surroundings
What is the narrator's main struggle?
Overcoming nervousness to express his feelings
What is the narrator's main focus during lunchtime?
Being consumed by thoughts of Tina
What does the narrator carefully observe about Tina?
Her movements and where she sits in different classes
What is the narrator's friend, JonPaul, uninterested in?
Romantic relationships
What is the narrator's determination regarding Tina?
To speak to her confidently and impress her with his words
What is the narrator's attitude towards pursuing Tina?
Determined and nervous
What is the narrator's first experience with?
Romantic infatuation
What does the text capture about young love and infatuation?
The awkwardness, nervousness, and determination
What rare medical condition does the protagonist fabricate to avoid working with Katie?
Inflammobetigoitis
How does Katie react to the protagonist's fabricated medical condition?
She offers to take on the project alone
What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina Zabinski signify?
His first experience of love at first sight
How does the protagonist's reaction to Tina challenge his previous understanding of emotions?
By portraying his sudden infatuation despite knowing her for many years
What does the text portray through the protagonist's web of lies and sudden infatuation?
The protagonist's navigation of intricate social and emotional dynamics
How does the protagonist's dishonesty create a win-win situation?
By allowing him to avoid working with Katie and granting Katie the opportunity to work alone
What does the protagonist's reaction to Tina's presence lead him to do?
Observe her through a window
What is significant about the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina?
It challenges his previous indifference towards girls
How does the protagonist describe his reaction to Tina, in relation to his previous behavior towards girls?
Admits to rarely lying to girls but is suddenly infatuated with Tina
What does the protagonist's sudden infatuation with Tina signify in his personal development?
A pivotal moment in his personal development
What range of symptoms does the protagonist list for the fabricated medical condition?
Exaggerated symptoms associated with the fabricated condition
What does the protagonist use as inspiration for winning over the girl?
Reading military history books
What strategies does the protagonist plan to apply to impress the girl?
Foresight, bravery, skill, and reconnaissance
What does the protagonist believe about his true self in winning the girl over?
It is enough to win the girl over
What causes conflicts within the protagonist's family?
Ownership of a shared car
Who asserts dominance as the only legal driver of the shared car?
Sarah, the protagonist's older sister
What causes transportation challenges for the protagonist?
His siblings attending high school while he is still in middle school
What is the protagonist's attitude towards his ability to be a great boyfriend?
Confident, listing his positive qualities and popularity among friends
What does Auntie Buzz intend for the family regarding the shared car?
She intended for the family to share the car
How does the protagonist feel about resorting to lying or subterfuge to win the girl over?
Willing, but believes his true self is enough
What does the story provide insight into?
The protagonist's inner thoughts, family relationships, and the complexities of teenage life
What is the protagonist's opinion about his siblings attending high school while he is still in middle school?
He feels left out and it causes transportation challenges
What does Kevin hastily choose as the topic for the social studies independent study project?
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
What is the theme showcased in the text?
Peer pressure and the protagonist's struggle to navigate social dynamics within the context of the project
What does the story emphasize about Kevin's project partner, Katie?
Her organization and attention to detail in presenting research ideas and abstracts
What topic do Kevin's friends, JonPaul and Jay D, have for their project?
Exploring the link between the World Series and voter turnout in presidential elections
What does Kevin feel embarrassed about in comparison to his friends' project topic?
His uninteresting project topic
What does Kevin lie to Katie about?
Having medical issues that may prevent him from contributing to the project
What does the text highlight about Kevin's approach to the project?
His lack of interest and effort compared to Katie's diligent approach
What is Mr. Crosby's role in the social studies independent study project?
Pairing the students as project partners and overseeing the project requirements
What does Kevin's reluctance to work with Katie reveal about his character?
His desire to avoid responsibility and his struggle with social dynamics
What does Kevin's choice of project topic demonstrate?
His lack of understanding of the topic and his hasty decision-making
What is the main focus of the social studies independent study project?
A ten-page paper and an oral presentation on a relevant aspect of government for young citizens
What does Kevin's attempt to avoid working with Katie reveal about his attitude?
His reluctance to collaborate and his lack of respect for his project partner
What does Daniel think about Sarah's behavior?
She is spoiled and selfish
How does Sarah's behavior affect her siblings?
They are frustrated and resentful
What is the protagonist's reaction to Sarah's behavior?
Dismay and disbelief
How does Sarah typically respond to conflict?
She never backs down from a fight
What does the narrator's family fail to focus on due to their individual pursuits?
Effective communication
What does the narrator's punishment for Sarah and Daniel emphasize?
Importance of resolving conflicts
What does the narrator's realization about the family dynamics lead to?
Understanding of the family's lack of attention towards each other
What does the narrator's decision to skip certain classes signify?
Strategic planning to maximize time with Tina
What does the narrator's resourcefulness in using a lie about managing the wrestling team to skip a class demonstrate?
Creative problem-solving skills
What is the main theme highlighted in the text?
Family conflicts and dynamics
What is Kevin's main objective for skipping classes and participating in various school activities?
To impress a girl named Tina and become her boyfriend
What method does Kevin plan to use to win Tina's affection?
Joining the student government where Tina's best friend, Connie, is a member
What derogatory behavior does Kevin display towards Tina's best friend, Connie?
Describing her in a derogatory manner, focusing on her physical appearance
What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with, while he focuses on getting closer to Tina?
Homework and tests
What strategy does Kevin plan to apply to impress Tina and become her boyfriend?
Getting to know her friends and joining the student government
What does Kevin fabricate in order to obtain hall passes for skipping classes?
Involvement in various school activities such as the wrestling team, drama department, art crew, and the school newspaper
What is Kevin's plan regarding joining the student government?
To impersonate another student
What does Kevin prioritize over academic performance?
Getting closer to a girl named Tina
What does Kevin believe his friends will help him with?
Homework and tests
What does Kevin plan to do in order to become Tina's official boyfriend?
Win her affection by getting to know her friends and joining the student government
What does Kevin's plan to avoid classes reveal about his character?
Dishonesty and manipulation
What is Kevin's main focus in his elaborate plan?
Impressing a girl named Tina
What is the protagonist's strategic plan to get closer to Tina?
Involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie to shape himself into the perfect boyfriend material
What concern does the protagonist's friend JonPaul express?
Potential germs at the protagonist's home and their mutual friend Daniel's hygiene
What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
To get closer to Tina and influence her likes and dislikes
What does the protagonist discuss about his friend JonPaul?
JonPaul's germophobia and difficulty in maintaining conversations
What is the protagonist's main focus during the student government meeting?
Tina, who is on stage
Who does the protagonist sit with during the student government meeting?
Connie, who shares her contact information and invites the protagonist to join her committee
What role does Tina play during the student government meeting?
She is on stage
What is the protagonist's plan for involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
To get closer to Tina and shape himself into the perfect boyfriend material
What does the protagonist aim to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
Get closer to Tina and shape himself into the perfect boyfriend material
What does the protagonist plan to use his connection with Connie for?
To get closer to Tina and influence her likes and dislikes
What does the protagonist aim to achieve by involving Connie and Tina's friend Katie?
To shape himself into the perfect boyfriend material
What does the protagonist plan to do with Tina and her friend Katie?
Get closer to Tina and shape himself into the perfect boyfriend material
What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
He washes them after every practice and game
What does JonPaul obsessively do with his gym clothes and equipment?
He uses industrial-sized bottles of bleach and detergent
What does JonPaul do with his snacks before consuming them?
Pours them into sterilized cereal bowls
What does JonPaul obsessively discuss with his friend?
The health benefits of organic peanut butter and its impact on digestive health
How does JonPaul's friend feel when JonPaul leaves?
A sense of relief
How does JonPaul's friend describe their relationship with another friend?
As allies, not buddies, indicating a lack of emotional closeness
What does JonPaul's friend do when he receives an email from Katie?
Responds positively without actually reading the content
What is the friend's main concern about JonPaul's behavior?
That JonPaul will eventually develop a more realistic perspective on his health obsession
What does the friend feel about his detachment from interactions with other friends?
Evident throughout the text
What does the text primarily depict about JonPaul?
His extreme health obsession and its impact on his relationships with others
What does the friend's comparison of his relationship with another friend signify?
A lack of emotional closeness
What does the friend's detachment from interactions with other friends indicate?
Concern about his own detachment
What does Auntie Buzz's high-energy personality lead her to consume?
Double shots of espresso
What does Auntie Buzz hire Daniel and his hockey team to do?
Move furniture
What does Auntie Buzz's comment about her spring-break marriage in Cancún reveal?
She has a sense of humor about her past
What does Auntie Buzz offer as payment to Daniel and his hockey team for their work?
Pizza and doughnuts
What form of communication does the narrator use to engage with various individuals?
Emails, IMs, and texts
What action does the narrator take after his mother refuses to allow him to attend a music festival?
He manipulates his father to gain approval
What effect does the mother's silence have on the household?
Causes tension and unease
What does the narrator justify his actions by comparing?
His siblings' behavior
What does the text portray the struggle between?
The mother's strict parenting and the narrator's desire for autonomy
What do the narrator's actions and justifications reveal?
A desire to break free from parental control
What does the text highlight about the internal conflict experienced by the narrator?
A growing sense of frustration and a need to challenge parental authority
What do the narrator's actions reflect?
A desire for autonomy
What is the main focus of the text?
The complexities of teenage rebellion and moral dilemmas faced by the narrator
What does the narrator's manipulation of his father and mother's lack of communication create?
A tense atmosphere
What does the text capture about the narrator's struggle?
A struggle for autonomy
What does the narrator's desire for independence and a sense of injustice in the family dynamics reflect?
A desire for autonomy
What is the protagonist primarily struggling with?
Family issues and feeling unwell
What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope
How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
The child's behavior escalates
What is the protagonist's main feeling towards the child's parents?
Eager to have time away from their child
How does the protagonist feel about being away from home while babysitting?
Relieved to be away from home
What does the child ask the protagonist while babysitting?
Strange and gross questions
How does the protagonist respond to the child's questions?
Educates the child and sends him outside to play
What is the child's behavior like when left to play outside?
Overwhelming and challenging
What does the protagonist find overwhelming while babysitting?
The child's behavior
What is the protagonist's primary feeling towards the child's parents?
Eager to have time away from their child
What is the protagonist's reaction to babysitting the hyperactive child?
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope
How does the child's behavior change when left to play outside?
The child's behavior escalates
What does the protagonist do with Auntie Buzz's bag of unopened bills?
Sorts through them to help Auntie Buzz
What does the protagonist do after using his math skills to balance Auntie Buzz's checkbook?
Calls the IRS pretending to be Auntie Buzz
What does the protagonist feel conflicted about?
Asking Auntie Buzz for advice on another matter
What is Auntie Buzz focused on besides her financial troubles?
Creating a demo reel to be hired as a television show host
How does the protagonist feel after helping Auntie Buzz with her financial situation?
A sense of accomplishment and second thoughts about asking for her advice
What does Auntie Buzz do when she receives registered letters from the government?
Avoids opening the bills until she has the money to pay them
What does the protagonist do after discovering Auntie Buzz's financial situation?
Calls the IRS pretending to be Auntie Buzz
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to Auntie Buzz's financial troubles?
Offers to help Auntie Buzz with her financial situation
What is the primary cause of emotional distance within the protagonist's family?
The father's constant business trips and preoccupation with work
What do the siblings' silent and unnatural movements as they leave the house symbolize?
Emotional detachment from the situation
What does Sarah acknowledge about the father's unawareness of the cat?
It is just a symptom of the larger family problems
What do the siblings reveal about their awareness of the family's issues?
They have been aware of the family's issues for a few months
What does the protagonist realize about his relationship with his father?
He, too, has been detached from his father's life and actions
How do the family members' preoccupations impact their connection with each other?
They lead to a lack of connection with each other
What do the siblings' quick and silent exit from the house indicate?
The impact of the tense family dynamics on them
What is the mother's emotional distress evident from during the conversation?
Her crying
What does the family's dysfunction and emotional distance become evident from?
The siblings' somber and resigned manner when discussing the family's issues
What does the family's disconnection further highlight?
The siblings' awareness of the family's issues and the lack of attention given to their pet cat
What is the impact of the father's disconnect from the family and lack of involvement in household responsibilities?
Significant emotional distance within the family
How are the family's disconnection and dysfunction further highlighted?
The siblings' silent and unnatural movements as they leave the house
What does the narrator recall about a coded message from World War II when JonPaul turns away from him?
A message used by the English to alert the French Resistance
What does the narrator understand about the definition of surrender?
It means to go over to the winning side
What does the narrator recall about the feeling of surrender?
It felt like being wounded with a monotonous languor
What does the narrator realize about JonPaul's reaction towards him?
JonPaul avoids the narrator like a hazardous area
What activity did the protagonist reluctantly join?
Wrestling team
What does the protagonist plan to write for the school newspaper?
Sports articles
What change occurs in the family dynamics?
Father's work and travel schedule is altered
What does Auntie Buzz decide not to pursue?
TV gig
What does the mother introduce for the family to read together?
A mystery novel
What do the siblings agree to do together?
Drive to school together and have breakfast as a family
What does the family plan to start doing every night?
Having dinner together
What does the protagonist reflect on the importance of?
Honesty
What does the protagonist receive from his best friend after reconciling?
A thoughtful gift
What does the protagonist do to win back favor with other friends?
Offers a peace offering
What does the protagonist do when he learns about a friend's parents' divorce?
Continues to babysit for the family
What does the wrestling coach provide to the protagonist?
Tough training regimen
What does the protagonist hope for in the future regarding Tina?
To make her see the wonderful things about him
What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
Marriage and family counseling
What is the protagonist's main concern about his apologies?
Whether they will be accepted
What does the protagonist anticipate facing after a 'craptastic' day?
His family
What does the protagonist try to volunteer for at school?
The school musical
Who does the protagonist avoid apologizing to?
Tina
What does the father consider doing in response to the family's situation?
Transferring to a different job
What does the family intend to discuss with the protagonist?
His actions at school
What role does the protagonist seek in the wrestling team?
Student manager
What does the protagonist worry about in relation to his apologies?
Whether they will be accepted
What does the protagonist avoid doing in relation to Tina?
Apologizing to her
What does the family plan to start in response to the protagonist's actions at school?
Marriage and family counseling
What consequences does Kevin face for his actions?
Grounded, loses allowance, and assigned household chores
What does Kevin do to make amends for his actions?
Apologizes and takes responsibility
What hope do Kevin's parents express regarding his relationships with his siblings?
Hope for improved relationships as they grow older
How does Kevin's teacher respond to his completed homework and extra-credit assignments?
With consequences and detention
What does the text highlight as a central theme?
Redemption and consequences of dishonesty
How do Kevin's peers, including Katie, react to him?
With animosity and disdain
What does Kevin's completion of his homework and extra-credit assignments result in?
Consequences and detention
What is the text's focus regarding family dynamics and relationships?
Moments of reconciliation and support
What is the requirement imposed on Kevin by his parents due to the car situation?
To earn money for his driver's ed class
What does Kevin explain about his relationships with his siblings?
Misguided intentions and strained relationships
What does the family share, indicating a moment of togetherness?
Their mother reading to the children
What does the text emphasize about Kevin's approach to his project partner, Katie?
Deception and manipulation
What action does the protagonist take after receiving a furious message from Auntie Buzz regarding financial meddling?
Apologizes at length and gets fired from a part-time job
How does the protagonist feel after delivering the apology letters face to face?
Begins to feel better
What is the protagonist's decision regarding facing the consequences of his actions?
Decides to delay facing the consequences until Monday
What does the protagonist reflect on after receiving mixed reactions to the apology letters?
Reflects on a plan B to win back respect and trust in the future
What does the text emphasize about the protagonist's actions?
The importance of facing consequences and taking responsibility
How does the protagonist feel about certain individuals not being around to receive their apology letters?
Feels relieved
What is the protagonist's initial reaction to receiving a dismissive response from a teacher?
Feels hurt and disappointed
How does the protagonist feel about the apology letters?
Feels relieved after delivering them face to face
What does the protagonist reflect on after being fired from a part-time job?
Reflects on a plan B to win back respect and trust in the future
What is the protagonist's response to the dismissive reaction from a teacher?
Feels hurt and disappointed
How does the protagonist feel about the consequences of his actions?
Decides to delay facing the consequences until Monday
What is the protagonist's main focus after reflecting on the mistake?
Emphasizes the importance of facing consequences and taking responsibility
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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