Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. What deal does Joel make with Tony?

2. What does Tony want to borrow from Joel for their adventure?

3. Which type of animal does Tony suggest lives in the Vermillion River?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What question does Joel ask his father? What outcome does he hope for, and what is the actual outcome?

2. Why does Tony suddenly stop riding his bike? Describe what Tony suggests to Joel and how Joel responds.

3. Summarize the argument that Joel and Tony have about their fathers. Where does this argument take place? What is the result of their disagreement?

Paired Resource

“All About Writing On My Honor”

• The author reflects on the reception of her novel in this brief post.
• This reflection connects with the themes The Complexity of Friendship, Honor and Deception, and Questions on Life and Death.
• According to this piece, how was Bauer’s novel received by the general public? In particular, how did it impact readers’ lives?

CHAPTERS 4-6

Reading Check

1. What does Joel realize about Tony as they swim toward the sandbar?

2.