Podcast
Questions and Answers
What did Wiley Adamson initially write in his notebook as a nickname for the substitute teacher?
What did Wiley Adamson initially write in his notebook as a nickname for the substitute teacher?
King Kong
What did Jeff Greenbaum suggest as a nickname for the substitute teacher, after crossing out Wiley's initial suggestion?
What did Jeff Greenbaum suggest as a nickname for the substitute teacher, after crossing out Wiley's initial suggestion?
The Incredible Hulk
How did the substitute teacher differ in appearance from the regular teacher, Mrs. Regan?
How did the substitute teacher differ in appearance from the regular teacher, Mrs. Regan?
The substitute teacher was much larger and taller, while Mrs. Regan was four-feet-nine and wispy.
Why did Wiley and Jeff struggle to come up with a suitable nickname for the substitute teacher?
Why did Wiley and Jeff struggle to come up with a suitable nickname for the substitute teacher?
Who asked about the science fair winners?
Who asked about the science fair winners?
Who said, 'It doesn’t matter if you’re in first place or last place so long as you give a hundred-and-ten percent'?
Who said, 'It doesn’t matter if you’re in first place or last place so long as you give a hundred-and-ten percent'?
Who corrected sharply about the importance of being in last place on the State Reading Assessment?
Who corrected sharply about the importance of being in last place on the State Reading Assessment?
Who gets distracted thinking about the blue-crested warbler sparrow?
Who gets distracted thinking about the blue-crested warbler sparrow?
What is the bird whose habitat is being threatened by local development?
What is the bird whose habitat is being threatened by local development?
Who are surprised by Cassandra's abrupt departure?
Who are surprised by Cassandra's abrupt departure?
Who criticizes Cassandra for ignoring them?
Who criticizes Cassandra for ignoring them?
Who is the principal of the school?
Who is the principal of the school?
Who is the teacher passionately coaching his students for a reading assessment?
Who is the teacher passionately coaching his students for a reading assessment?
Who confronts Mr. Hughes for disturbing the other classrooms?
Who confronts Mr. Hughes for disturbing the other classrooms?
Who is teased by her classmates for belonging to the 'Dim Bulbs' group?
Who is teased by her classmates for belonging to the 'Dim Bulbs' group?
What does Mr. Hughes try to boost the students' morale by declaring them as?
What does Mr. Hughes try to boost the students' morale by declaring them as?
Who emphasizes the balanced capabilities of both 6th-grade classes?
Who emphasizes the balanced capabilities of both 6th-grade classes?
What does the narrative highlight between Mr. Hughes' and Miss Hardaway's classes?
What does the narrative highlight between Mr. Hughes' and Miss Hardaway's classes?
What do the conversation and events reveal about the school environment?
What do the conversation and events reveal about the school environment?
Who are the main characters in the story?
Who are the main characters in the story?
What physical features of Cassandra catch the attention of the boys?
What physical features of Cassandra catch the attention of the boys?
How does Cassandra challenge gender bias in the science class?
How does Cassandra challenge gender bias in the science class?
What nickname do the boys try to come up with for their classmate, Mike?
What nickname do the boys try to come up with for their classmate, Mike?
Who interrupts the boys' attempt to nickname their classmate?
Who interrupts the boys' attempt to nickname their classmate?
How long have Wiley and Jeff been best friends?
How long have Wiley and Jeff been best friends?
Where is the story set?
Where is the story set?
What is the old Gunhold house known for?
What is the old Gunhold house known for?
What is Cassandra's opinion about the nickname 'Crusty'?
What is Cassandra's opinion about the nickname 'Crusty'?
What does Cassandra show enthusiasm for?
What does Cassandra show enthusiasm for?
What does Cassandra's dreamy behavior indicate?
What does Cassandra's dreamy behavior indicate?
What dynamics does the text capture?
What dynamics does the text capture?
Who is the new sixth-grade teacher and what other role does he have?
Who is the new sixth-grade teacher and what other role does he have?
What is Peter Widman's new nickname for Mr. Hughes?
What is Peter Widman's new nickname for Mr. Hughes?
Who else besides Peter Widman starts using the nickname 'Mr. Huge'?
Who else besides Peter Widman starts using the nickname 'Mr. Huge'?
What disliked nickname does Charles reference during the conversation?
What disliked nickname does Charles reference during the conversation?
Who does Charles challenge to come up with a completely wrong nickname that will not stick?
Who does Charles challenge to come up with a completely wrong nickname that will not stick?
Who is selected as the subject for the challenge of giving a completely wrong nickname?
Who is selected as the subject for the challenge of giving a completely wrong nickname?
What nickname do Wiley and Jeff settle on for Mike Smith?
What nickname do Wiley and Jeff settle on for Mike Smith?
What does Wiley claim he will do if the name 'Iceman' sticks?
What does Wiley claim he will do if the name 'Iceman' sticks?
What ends the challenge and recess?
What ends the challenge and recess?
What is Jeff's initial reaction to the potential success of the 'Iceman' nickname?
What is Jeff's initial reaction to the potential success of the 'Iceman' nickname?
What is the central theme explored in the text?
What is the central theme explored in the text?
What dynamics are highlighted in the narrative?
What dynamics are highlighted in the narrative?
What does Mr. Hughes call his class, despite the presence of girls?
What does Mr. Hughes call his class, despite the presence of girls?
How does Mr. Hughes treat a math quiz, comparing it to a major event?
How does Mr. Hughes treat a math quiz, comparing it to a major event?
What kind of atmosphere does Mr. Hughes create during the math quiz?
What kind of atmosphere does Mr. Hughes create during the math quiz?
What does Mr. Hughes do while the students finish the quiz?
What does Mr. Hughes do while the students finish the quiz?
What are some behaviors exhibited by Mr. Hughes during the quiz?
What are some behaviors exhibited by Mr. Hughes during the quiz?
Who interrupts the class and introduces a new student named Cassandra Levy?
Who interrupts the class and introduces a new student named Cassandra Levy?
What nickname do the boys Wiley and Jeff give to Cassandra?
What nickname do the boys Wiley and Jeff give to Cassandra?
How does Cassandra stand out in terms of attire compared to other students?
How does Cassandra stand out in terms of attire compared to other students?
What makes Cassandra distinct from other students, besides her attire?
What makes Cassandra distinct from other students, besides her attire?
How does Cassandra greet the boys, indicating her personality?
How does Cassandra greet the boys, indicating her personality?
What does the interaction with Cassandra hint at within the classroom?
What does the interaction with Cassandra hint at within the classroom?
What does the text set the stage for?
What does the text set the stage for?
Discuss the significance of the news about Mr. Hughes getting fired and its impact on the classroom dynamics and characters' reactions.
Discuss the significance of the news about Mr. Hughes getting fired and its impact on the classroom dynamics and characters' reactions.
Examine the portrayal of Charles Rossi, also known as Snoopy, and his role in conveying important information to Wiley and Jeff. How does his character contribute to the narrative?
Examine the portrayal of Charles Rossi, also known as Snoopy, and his role in conveying important information to Wiley and Jeff. How does his character contribute to the narrative?
Analyze the impact of the news about Mr. Hughes on the students' reactions and interactions in the classroom. How does it reflect the underlying tensions and dynamics within the student body?
Analyze the impact of the news about Mr. Hughes on the students' reactions and interactions in the classroom. How does it reflect the underlying tensions and dynamics within the student body?
Explore the role of suspense and tension in the classroom scene involving Charles Rossi, Wiley, and Jeff. How does the author build and resolve the suspense in this particular moment?
Explore the role of suspense and tension in the classroom scene involving Charles Rossi, Wiley, and Jeff. How does the author build and resolve the suspense in this particular moment?
What is the central theme of the text and how is it reflected in the interactions between the characters?
What is the central theme of the text and how is it reflected in the interactions between the characters?
Discuss the significance of the characters' physical appearances in the text and how it contributes to the overall narrative.
Discuss the significance of the characters' physical appearances in the text and how it contributes to the overall narrative.
Explain the role of Mr. Hughes in the text and how his actions and characteristics influence the interactions and dynamics among the students.
Explain the role of Mr. Hughes in the text and how his actions and characteristics influence the interactions and dynamics among the students.
Analyse the significance of the bus driver's actions and the impact on the events in the text.
Analyse the significance of the bus driver's actions and the impact on the events in the text.
What do Wiley and Jeff share in joint custody and fantasize about its future?
What do Wiley and Jeff share in joint custody and fantasize about its future?
Who hits a record-breaking grand slam in the softball victory celebration?
Who hits a record-breaking grand slam in the softball victory celebration?
What causes tension between Mr. Hughes and the principal?
What causes tension between Mr. Hughes and the principal?
What are the mixed opinions about Mr. Hughes among the students?
What are the mixed opinions about Mr. Hughes among the students?
What event causes the students to rush back to their seats?
What event causes the students to rush back to their seats?
What does the scene shift to after the school celebration?
What does the scene shift to after the school celebration?
What nickname does Mike, known as the Iceman, gain after gaining popularity?
What nickname does Mike, known as the Iceman, gain after gaining popularity?
What is the concern regarding Mr. Hughes' teaching style and behavior?
What is the concern regarding Mr. Hughes' teaching style and behavior?
Who hints at the possibility of Mr. Hughes not being around forever?
Who hints at the possibility of Mr. Hughes not being around forever?
What does Mr. Hughes' teaching style is likened to, which causes concentration issues for the students?
What does Mr. Hughes' teaching style is likened to, which causes concentration issues for the students?
What significant announcement does Mr. Doncaster make to Mr. Hughes and his class?
What significant announcement does Mr. Doncaster make to Mr. Hughes and his class?
What is Mr. Hughes quickly considered as after gaining popularity?
What is Mr. Hughes quickly considered as after gaining popularity?
Who is seen as disruptive by his colleagues due to overenthusiasm and disruptive behavior in the classroom?
Who is seen as disruptive by his colleagues due to overenthusiasm and disruptive behavior in the classroom?
What new stress does the Iceman face after gaining popularity?
What new stress does the Iceman face after gaining popularity?
Where do Mr. Hughes and his students huddle to discuss homework and game plans?
Where do Mr. Hughes and his students huddle to discuss homework and game plans?
What continues to be a cause for concern among Mr. Hughes' colleagues?
What continues to be a cause for concern among Mr. Hughes' colleagues?
What does Mr. Doncaster find Mr. Hughes and his students doing, which causes concern?
What does Mr. Doncaster find Mr. Hughes and his students doing, which causes concern?
Who is likened to being more suitable for a football field due to unconventional teaching methods?
Who is likened to being more suitable for a football field due to unconventional teaching methods?
What is the secret nickname that Wiley and Jeff have for Lisa?
What is the secret nickname that Wiley and Jeff have for Lisa?
What is the name of Lisa's boyfriend?
What is the name of Lisa's boyfriend?
What is the nickname earned by Donald due to his car and driving style?
What is the nickname earned by Donald due to his car and driving style?
What is the name of the injured bird that the boys nurse back to health?
What is the name of the injured bird that the boys nurse back to health?
What profession does Wiley's mom have?
What profession does Wiley's mom have?
What do the boys decide to do with the injured bird once it's ready to be shown to Cassandra?
What do the boys decide to do with the injured bird once it's ready to be shown to Cassandra?
What do the boys assume about the injured bird due to its blue crest?
What do the boys assume about the injured bird due to its blue crest?
What is the focus of the story?
What is the focus of the story?
What is the name of the new teacher known to Donald Briscoe?
What is the name of the new teacher known to Donald Briscoe?
What does Wiley tease Lisa about?
What does Wiley tease Lisa about?
What is the driving style of Donald Briscoe known for?
What is the driving style of Donald Briscoe known for?
What is the name of the bird species that the boys nurse back to health?
What is the name of the bird species that the boys nurse back to health?
Who announces a Sadie Hawkins dance for the sixth-grade Thanksgiving party?
Who announces a Sadie Hawkins dance for the sixth-grade Thanksgiving party?
What is the name of the girl who challenges traditional gender roles and offers an alternative perspective on female initiation?
What is the name of the girl who challenges traditional gender roles and offers an alternative perspective on female initiation?
Who feels left out and rejected after not being chosen for Safety Patrol?
Who feels left out and rejected after not being chosen for Safety Patrol?
Who conducts a burial at sea in the school bathroom for his dead algae eater fish?
Who conducts a burial at sea in the school bathroom for his dead algae eater fish?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does the narrative provide insight into?
What does the story offer a glimpse into?
What does the story offer a glimpse into?
What do the dynamics between the characters and their interactions reveal?
What do the dynamics between the characters and their interactions reveal?
What does the text capture?
What does the text capture?
Who challenges the traditional gender roles and offers an alternative perspective on female initiation?
Who challenges the traditional gender roles and offers an alternative perspective on female initiation?
Who is chosen for Safety Patrol along with Cassandra?
Who is chosen for Safety Patrol along with Cassandra?
What is the central focus of the narrative?
What is the central focus of the narrative?
Who feels Jeff's absence after Donald and Lisa argue over hanging a football team picture?
Who feels Jeff's absence after Donald and Lisa argue over hanging a football team picture?
Who is the author of the book mentioned in the text?
Who is the author of the book mentioned in the text?
What book is Mr. Hughes carrying in the paper bag?
What book is Mr. Hughes carrying in the paper bag?
What is the central theme of the text and how is it reflected in the interactions between the characters?
What is the central theme of the text and how is it reflected in the interactions between the characters?
What does the narrative highlight between Mr. Hughes' and Miss Hardaway's classes?
What does the narrative highlight between Mr. Hughes' and Miss Hardaway's classes?
What event do Jeff and Cassandra decide to sign up for, showing enthusiasm for the event?
What event do Jeff and Cassandra decide to sign up for, showing enthusiasm for the event?
Who is surprised to find Jeff involved in International Night preparations, as they usually avoid such events?
Who is surprised to find Jeff involved in International Night preparations, as they usually avoid such events?
What do Jeff and Cassandra plan to make for International Night?
What do Jeff and Cassandra plan to make for International Night?
Who decides to join the Mexico team by speaking to Mr. Hughes?
Who decides to join the Mexico team by speaking to Mr. Hughes?
What does Wiley realize that Jeff has signed him up for without his consent?
What does Wiley realize that Jeff has signed him up for without his consent?
Who leaves for a doctor's appointment, leaving Jeff with the possibility of spending time with Cassandra?
Who leaves for a doctor's appointment, leaving Jeff with the possibility of spending time with Cassandra?
Who expresses enthusiasm for taking Mexico to the Hall of Fame at International Night?
Who expresses enthusiasm for taking Mexico to the Hall of Fame at International Night?
Who assigns five third graders to Mr. Hughes's Mexico team?
Who assigns five third graders to Mr. Hughes's Mexico team?
Who are the unexpected classmates signing up for International Night, including Peter and Raymond?
Who are the unexpected classmates signing up for International Night, including Peter and Raymond?
Where does Jeff suggest going, but Cassandra declines due to the sign-up for International Night?
Where does Jeff suggest going, but Cassandra declines due to the sign-up for International Night?
Who is alone at the Mexico sign-up, and Jeff and Cassandra join his team?
Who is alone at the Mexico sign-up, and Jeff and Cassandra join his team?
What does Jeff notice about the unexpected classmates signing up for International Night?
What does Jeff notice about the unexpected classmates signing up for International Night?
Who does Wiley drag into his plan to be the horse in the Mountie costume without his knowledge?
Who does Wiley drag into his plan to be the horse in the Mountie costume without his knowledge?
What do the boys bond over?
What do the boys bond over?
What causes the falling out between Wiley and Jeff?
What causes the falling out between Wiley and Jeff?
What does Jeff reflect on during the reading assessment?
What does Jeff reflect on during the reading assessment?
Where do Wiley and Jeff sit for a reading assessment?
Where do Wiley and Jeff sit for a reading assessment?
Who confronts Wiley after finding out about the plan to be the horse in the Mountie costume?
Who confronts Wiley after finding out about the plan to be the horse in the Mountie costume?
What job does Wiley end up taking at the Canada station for International Night?
What job does Wiley end up taking at the Canada station for International Night?
Who advises Wiley that all the good jobs are taken except for being the horse in the Mountie costume?
Who advises Wiley that all the good jobs are taken except for being the horse in the Mountie costume?
What event does Wiley want to participate in but is told there are no available spots left?
What event does Wiley want to participate in but is told there are no available spots left?
What team does Wiley decide to join for the event?
What team does Wiley decide to join for the event?
Who is unable to find a job to do at the Canada station for International Night?
Who is unable to find a job to do at the Canada station for International Night?
Who is advised by his friends that all the good jobs are taken except for being the horse in the Mountie costume?
Who is advised by his friends that all the good jobs are taken except for being the horse in the Mountie costume?
Who wins the brick-lugging competition and how many bricks does he aim to carry?
Who wins the brick-lugging competition and how many bricks does he aim to carry?
What does Jeff's feat of strength earn him from his peers and teachers?
What does Jeff's feat of strength earn him from his peers and teachers?
Who features a crossword puzzle in The Student Post?
Who features a crossword puzzle in The Student Post?
What does the 'Iceman' offer in his column in The Student Post?
What does the 'Iceman' offer in his column in The Student Post?
What becomes a source of intrigue and speculation among the students?
What becomes a source of intrigue and speculation among the students?
What do the students debate about regarding the 'Iceman' and his advice column?
What do the students debate about regarding the 'Iceman' and his advice column?
What do some students find entertaining about the 'Iceman's' column?
What do some students find entertaining about the 'Iceman's' column?
What do other students question about the 'Iceman's' advice?
What do other students question about the 'Iceman's' advice?
What do the students express curiosity and skepticism about regarding the 'Iceman'?
What do the students express curiosity and skepticism about regarding the 'Iceman'?
What does the sudden interest in the newsletter lead to among the students?
What does the sudden interest in the newsletter lead to among the students?
Who expresses skepticism and suspicion about the sudden popularity of the 'Iceman'?
Who expresses skepticism and suspicion about the sudden popularity of the 'Iceman'?
What does the 'Iceman' become in the school and what do students do in relation to him?
What does the 'Iceman' become in the school and what do students do in relation to him?
What is DEAR time and how is it implemented in the class?
What is DEAR time and how is it implemented in the class?
How does Mr. Hughes show his dedication to reading with the students?
How does Mr. Hughes show his dedication to reading with the students?
What are some ways in which reading is incorporated into various subjects in the class?
What are some ways in which reading is incorporated into various subjects in the class?
What worries Jeff about the upcoming test and answers?
What worries Jeff about the upcoming test and answers?
What does Jeff compare his interactions with Cassandra against Wiley's, and how does he evaluate it?
What does Jeff compare his interactions with Cassandra against Wiley's, and how does he evaluate it?
What unexpected event occurs involving Wiley and the Greenbaum house?
What unexpected event occurs involving Wiley and the Greenbaum house?
What odd discovery does Jeff make about the Levys' renovation process?
What odd discovery does Jeff make about the Levys' renovation process?
Where do Cassandra and Jeff help with renovations, and what do they discuss during this time?
Where do Cassandra and Jeff help with renovations, and what do they discuss during this time?
What causes tension between Jeff and Wiley, and what is Jeff concerned about regarding Cassandra?
What causes tension between Jeff and Wiley, and what is Jeff concerned about regarding Cassandra?
How are nonreaders in the class responding to the reading activities?
How are nonreaders in the class responding to the reading activities?
What does the class do during DEAR time, and how does reading play a role in different subjects?
What does the class do during DEAR time, and how does reading play a role in different subjects?
What unexpected encounter takes place in the root cellar at the Levy house?
What unexpected encounter takes place in the root cellar at the Levy house?
What was the significance of Mike Smith's transformation into the Mountie costume?
What was the significance of Mike Smith's transformation into the Mountie costume?
How did Mike's portrayal of the Mountie impact the other characters?
How did Mike's portrayal of the Mountie impact the other characters?
What does the reaction of the audience to the Mountie reveal about the transformative power of performance?
What does the reaction of the audience to the Mountie reveal about the transformative power of performance?
Discuss the symbolism of the Mountie costume and its impact on the narrative.
Discuss the symbolism of the Mountie costume and its impact on the narrative.
Explain the sequence of events leading to the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume and its resolution.
Explain the sequence of events leading to the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume and its resolution.
What is the cause of the fight between Jeff and Wiley, and what complicates their relationship further?
What is the cause of the fight between Jeff and Wiley, and what complicates their relationship further?
How does the struggle over D. D. escalate into a confrontation between Jeff and Wiley?
How does the struggle over D. D. escalate into a confrontation between Jeff and Wiley?
How does the audience react to the fight inside the horse costume, and how is the misunderstanding resolved?
How does the audience react to the fight inside the horse costume, and how is the misunderstanding resolved?
What leads to Jeff waking up battered and shocked, and how does it impact his perception of the situation?
What leads to Jeff waking up battered and shocked, and how does it impact his perception of the situation?
How does the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume reflect the theme of mistaken identity and perception?
How does the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume reflect the theme of mistaken identity and perception?
What motivates Jeff and Wiley's struggle over D. D., and how does it reveal their conflicting priorities?
What motivates Jeff and Wiley's struggle over D. D., and how does it reveal their conflicting priorities?
How does the fight inside the horse costume serve as a metaphor for the underlying tensions and conflicts between the characters?
How does the fight inside the horse costume serve as a metaphor for the underlying tensions and conflicts between the characters?
What role does Mike Smith play in the misunderstanding of the fight, and how does he contribute to its resolution?
What role does Mike Smith play in the misunderstanding of the fight, and how does he contribute to its resolution?
How does the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume create a comedic yet dramatic turning point in the narrative?
How does the misunderstanding of the fight inside the horse costume create a comedic yet dramatic turning point in the narrative?
What does the resolution of the misunderstanding reveal about the characters' relationships and the impact of miscommunication?
What does the resolution of the misunderstanding reveal about the characters' relationships and the impact of miscommunication?
What event causes tension between the friends, Wiley and Jeff?
What event causes tension between the friends, Wiley and Jeff?
What does Cassandra seek to help her decide whether to invite Mike to the dance?
What does Cassandra seek to help her decide whether to invite Mike to the dance?
What appears at the window with D. D. perched on his arm, leading Cassandra to conclude it's a sign?
What appears at the window with D. D. perched on his arm, leading Cassandra to conclude it's a sign?
How does Jeff feel about Cassandra asking 'the Iceman' to the Sadie Hawkins dance?
How does Jeff feel about Cassandra asking 'the Iceman' to the Sadie Hawkins dance?
What is the backdrop against which the story is set?
What is the backdrop against which the story is set?
Who does Cassandra ask for advice on asking 'the Iceman' to the Sadie Hawkins dance?
Who does Cassandra ask for advice on asking 'the Iceman' to the Sadie Hawkins dance?
What does Cassandra conclude after seeing Mike with D. D. at the window?
What does Cassandra conclude after seeing Mike with D. D. at the window?
Who had imagined asking Cassandra to the dance countless times?
Who had imagined asking Cassandra to the dance countless times?
What does Cassandra ask Wiley and Jeff for advice on?
What does Cassandra ask Wiley and Jeff for advice on?
Who has been transformed with a new coat of paint, a swimming pool being built, and a manicured lawn?
Who has been transformed with a new coat of paint, a swimming pool being built, and a manicured lawn?
What does Cassandra reveal about 'the Iceman' to Wiley and Jeff?
What does Cassandra reveal about 'the Iceman' to Wiley and Jeff?
What does Cassandra call Wiley and Jeff from the Gunhold place?
What does Cassandra call Wiley and Jeff from the Gunhold place?
Who do the boys blame for the incident with the sparrow, D. D.?
Who do the boys blame for the incident with the sparrow, D. D.?
What is the nickname that Cassandra embraces in the story?
What is the nickname that Cassandra embraces in the story?
Who impresses the school board with his unorthodox teaching style?
Who impresses the school board with his unorthodox teaching style?
What does Jeff feel grateful for when Cassandra chooses Mike over him or Wiley for a dance?
What does Jeff feel grateful for when Cassandra chooses Mike over him or Wiley for a dance?
What does the narrator get arrested for at the age of thirteen?
What does the narrator get arrested for at the age of thirteen?
What does the community, Garland Farm, which the narrator mentions, hint at?
What does the community, Garland Farm, which the narrator mentions, hint at?
What would Rain, the narrator's sister, have been pleased with, suggesting a rebellious or unconventional nature?
What would Rain, the narrator's sister, have been pleased with, suggesting a rebellious or unconventional nature?
What is the name of the club that Cassandra and her friends form at school?
What is the name of the club that Cassandra and her friends form at school?
What does Charles, previously called Snoopy, feel proud of?
What does Charles, previously called Snoopy, feel proud of?
At what age does the narrator get arrested for driving without a license?
At what age does the narrator get arrested for driving without a license?
What does the narrator's response to the officer's question about the pickup's ownership hint at?
What does the narrator's response to the officer's question about the pickup's ownership hint at?
What does the narrator mention as unfamiliar to the police officer?
What does the narrator mention as unfamiliar to the police officer?
What does Cassandra's dreamy behavior indicate?
What does Cassandra's dreamy behavior indicate?
What are the unconventional subjects included in Cap's education in addition to the state curriculum?
What are the unconventional subjects included in Cap's education in addition to the state curriculum?
Why is Rain resistant to receiving medical treatment for her broken hip?
Why is Rain resistant to receiving medical treatment for her broken hip?
What led to Cap's unique perspective on education, family, and societal norms?
What led to Cap's unique perspective on education, family, and societal norms?
What tragic event led to Rain becoming Cap's sole caregiver?
What tragic event led to Rain becoming Cap's sole caregiver?
Where do the protagonist and Rain live, and how do they consider themselves?
Where do the protagonist and Rain live, and how do they consider themselves?
What motivated Cap to drive Rain to the hospital despite being unaware of the emergency number 911?
What motivated Cap to drive Rain to the hospital despite being unaware of the emergency number 911?
What are the protagonist's reasons for being homeschooled by Rain?
What are the protagonist's reasons for being homeschooled by Rain?
What is the aim of the protagonist and his grandmother, Rain, in living in an alternative farm commune?
What is the aim of the protagonist and his grandmother, Rain, in living in an alternative farm commune?
What emotional attachment does the protagonist, Cap, have towards Rain?
What emotional attachment does the protagonist, Cap, have towards Rain?
What kind of family structure does the community at Garland have?
What kind of family structure does the community at Garland have?
What extensive medical treatment does Rain need for her broken hip?
What extensive medical treatment does Rain need for her broken hip?
What is the age of Cap when he drives Rain to the hospital after her fall?
What is the age of Cap when he drives Rain to the hospital after her fall?
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Study Notes
Mr. Hughes' Unconventional Teaching Style
- Mr. Hughes, a teacher, addresses his class as "men," even though there are also girls in the class
- Mr. Hughes compares a math quiz to the Super Bowl, treating it with intense seriousness
- The teacher uses football terminology and gestures during the quiz, creating a unique and intense atmosphere
- The students finish the quiz quickly, while Mr. Hughes, acting like a football coach, continues to motivate and push them
- Mr. Hughes' behavior during the quiz includes blowing a whistle, jogging around, and consuming a large bottle of Gatorade
- The principal, Mr. Doncaster, interrupts the class, bringing in a new student named Cassandra Levy
- The boys, Wiley and Jeff, give Cassandra the nickname "Carrot-top" due to her red hair and unique clothing style
- Cassandra stands out with her bouncy and colorful attire, in contrast to the other students' more casual clothing
- Cassandra's unique footwear, a full-length cotton skirt, and her cheerful demeanor make her distinct from the other students
- Cassandra settles in and greets the boys with a friendly "Hi," showing her outgoing and confident personality
- The interaction with the new student, Cassandra, hints at potential new dynamics and challenges within the classroom
- The text sets the stage for the introduction of a new character and potential conflicts or friendships within the classroom
School Dynamics and Interactions
- Mr. Doncaster announces a Sadie Hawkins dance for the sixth-grade Thanksgiving party, where girls invite boys.
- Cassandra challenges the traditional gender roles and offers an alternative perspective on female initiation.
- Cassandra and Wiley are chosen for Safety Patrol, and Cassandra's unique and colorful appearance stands out.
- Jeff feels left out and rejected after not being chosen for Safety Patrol.
- Jeff's interaction with Wiley and Cassandra during Safety Patrol further highlights his feelings of exclusion.
- Donald and Lisa argue over hanging a football team picture, and Wiley feels Jeff's absence.
- Jeff sulks because he wasn't chosen for Safety Patrol, and Mr. Hughes quits the football team.
- Mr. Richards mourns his dead algae eater fish and conducts a burial at sea in the school bathroom.
- The dynamics between the characters and their interactions reveal underlying tensions and feelings of exclusion.
- The text captures the complex social dynamics and conflicts among the students and faculty.
- The narrative provides insight into the characters' emotions and their responses to various situations at school.
- The story offers a glimpse into the everyday interactions and challenges faced by the students and staff at the school.
Encouraging Reading and Intrigues
- 6B students have DEAR time, reading during recess, lunch, and other parts of the school day
- The class incorporates reading into various subjects like spelling, social studies, and math
- Mr. Hughes reads with the students, showing intense dedication
- The students are enjoying reading and nonreaders are discovering their interest in it
- Jeff worries about the upcoming test and answers
- Jeff compares his interactions with Cassandra against Wiley's, using a chart to evaluate
- Jeff feels competitive towards Wiley and is concerned about Cassandra's choice for a dance partner
- Wiley unexpectedly visits the Greenbaum house and interacts with Mrs. Greenbaum
- Cassandra and Jeff help with renovations at the Levy house
- The Levys reuse old bricks for the renovation, which Jeff finds odd
- Wiley shows up unexpectedly in the root cellar at the Levy house
- Cassandra and Jeff are surprised by Wiley's sudden appearance and discuss his reading progress
Life in an Alternative Farm Commune
- The protagonist lives in an alternative farm commune with his grandmother, Rain, where they aim to escape the materialistic society.
- The protagonist, Cap, is homeschooled by Rain to avoid the low standards and cultural influence of mainstream education.
- Rain falls from a tree while picking plums, and Cap, aged thirteen, drives her to the hospital, unaware of the emergency number 911.
- Rain, a caregiver to Cap, is resistant to receiving medical treatment, as she is the sole caregiver for him.
- Cap's parents, who were with the Peace Corps in Namibia, died from malaria, leaving Rain as his sole caregiver.
- The protagonist and Rain live in a close-knit community at Garland, where they consider themselves as the entire community.
- Cap's education includes unconventional subjects such as non-violence, Zen Buddhism, and psychedelic, in addition to the state curriculum.
- Despite Rain's resistance, she needs extensive medical treatment for a broken hip, including surgery and physical therapy.
- The protagonist, Cap, has a strong emotional attachment to Rain, viewing her as his teacher, family, and entire universe.
- The community at Garland has a close-knit, non-traditional family structure, where individuals belong to each other regardless of blood relations.
- Rain's resistance to medical treatment is fueled by her role as the sole caregiver to Cap, and her fear of being unable to fulfill this role during her recovery.
- Cap's upbringing in the alternative farm commune has led to a unique perspective on education, family, and societal norms.
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