After reading 34-37, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
How has Brian and Mike’s relationship changed? How would you define their relationship now? Are they friends? Brothers?
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Question 2:
What do you think the theme of this story is? Why?

​After reading 30-33, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
In chapter 31, Pa says, “I was outside Hector’s bodega… and Mike started walking toward me like nothing ever happened. It took a lot for me not to yell at him for getting you in trouble. So, I just told him I’m disappointed in him and he better realize I’m good to him as long as he’s good to you.” What is the significance of this event?
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Question 2:
How are things different when Brian is hanging out with Big Will? How do you think Brian feels about this?

After reading 25-29, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
How do Mike and Brian’s reactions to what happened to Little Kevin differ? Why do you think they had different reactions?
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Question 2:
Pa doesn’t seem to be the rule-following type; however, when he finds out about Brian skipping school, he is very upset. Did this surprise you? Why or why not? Why do you think Pa was so upset when he, himself, is a rule-breaker?

After reading 22-24, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
Do you think Mike is a good friend to Brian? Why or why not?
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Question 2:
In chapter 24, Brian’s mom gives him advice. Do you think this is good advice? Make a prediction, will Brian follow his mom’s advice?

After reading 17-21, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
In these chapters, Brian makes some uncharacteristic decisions. What is one example of a decision he made that was unlike the character we have been learning about? Why do you think he is making these decisions?
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Question 2:
In chapter 20, Brian thinks, “I feel so far away from where I should be. It might sound silly, but I feel far away from who I am.” What does he mean by this? Why do you think he feels this way?

After reading 13-16, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
What is one character trait of Mike? Give at least one example to support your character trait.
Question 2:
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Brian’s feelings about Mike are constantly changing. Why? What do you think about their relationship?

After reading 9-12, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
Why do you think Brian likes the quiet and wants to bring it back to his projects?

Question 2:
In the text, it states, “I cross the street and want to hug him. But we just stand a couple of feet apart and nod… I want to ask him if he ate. I want to ask him where he slept last night. But I don’t… I want to say a lot to him. He brushes his hand in the air like I should go. So I do.”
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Brian seems to always want to say things to his Pa, but he holds back. Why do you think he doesn’t say what’s on his mind? Do you think he should or shouldn’t say what’s on his mind?

​After reading chapters 6-8, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
Why do you think Brian has conflicted feelings about his Pa being boss?
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Question 2:
At the end of chapter 8, Brian doesn’t know if he should trust his original bad vibe about Mike or just move ahead and trust him. What would you do if you were in Brian’s position?

After reading chapters 3-5, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.

Question 1:
How did Brian’s opinion of Mike change throughout these three chapters? Why?
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Question 2:
Make a prediction: Do you think Mike’s friendship is going to be a good one for Brian? Why or why not?

​Chapters 1 & 2
After reading chapters 1 & 2, answer the two questions below. Make sure you label question 1 and question 2 in your answer.
Question 1:
From page 7: “’Focus on school,’ Ma always tells me. ‘There will be friends later. The wrong friends bring drama, and I don’t want them rubbing off on you.’” Do you agree with Ma’s advice? Explain your reasoning.
Question 2:
How is Bryan’s life and school experience different from your own?