Chapters 11-15 (pp. 31-42)

Here are suggested discussion questions and vocabulary words for the following chapters:

Chapter 11: The Deal

1). In this chapter, August points out this mother treats him like a baby: "I wished she wouldn't talk to me like I was a baby in front of other people." (31). Think back to where August purposely acted like a baby or enjoyed being treated like one. What was happening in those instances? Why is this situation different?

Chapter 12: Home

1). When August's mom talks to August about Julian, she asks, " 'Okay, so is he the kind of kid who's one way in front of grown-ups and another way in front of kids?' " (34). How would August's mother know about this? Why would her experience in understanding kids be a little different than other mom's?

Vocabulary

nudging (33)

Chapter 13: First-Day Jitters

1). A thinking question:

On p.35-36, consider how August describes his neighborhood. Imagine what it is like to be in August's shoes and having to always be aware of other kids, public places, etc. Think about your daily routine or places in your neighborhood that you like to go- would that change if you were in August's position? 

Chapter 14: Locks

In this chapter, we see more references to August's genuine voice- we can relate to him in many ways- for example, when he waves hi to Jack: " 'Hey, Jack,' I answered, waving my hand, which I immediately wished I hadn't done because it felt kind of uncool.' " (37)

Look at p.38, when August talks about his teacher first noticing me. 

'Now, the first thing I want everyone to do is stop talking and...'

She noticed me.

'...put your backpacks down and quiet down.'

She had only hesitated for a millionth of a second, but I could tell the moment she saw me. Like I said: I'm used to it by now. 

Does August mind when someone notices him for the first time? Why or why not?

2). When August first receives his locker lock, he resists spinning the combination, even though his other classmates are all doing it, because his teacher "specifically told [them] not to" (39)

Is there a reason, other than August's teacher asking them not to, that August chooses not to spin the combination lock? What do other kids have the privilege of doing, that August might not have?

Chapter 15: Around the Room

1). Think about how Julian responds to Ms. Petosa, when she shares with the class about her dream to become a teacher.

" 'That's cool about how you're pursuing your dream,' he said."
" 'Thank you!' "
" 'You're welcome!' He smiled proudly." (41)

Is Julian being genuine here? How does this relate to August's mom's comment about Julian being one way with adults and another way with kids?