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

Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. Why is Matt pulled from class and questioned by the police?

2. Why was Ursula self-conscious in middle school?

3. Why does Ursula identify with Ms. Schultz?

4. Why is Ursula certain Matt is innocent?

Short Answer

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

1. What changes has Ursula made to her personality due to her insecurities?

2. How does Matt’s theater experience influence the way he interacts with the world?

Paired Resources

The Importance of Speaking Up

• This 3-minute video explains why it is so important to speak up against school violence even if it isn’t perceived as a real threat. (Content Warning: references to school shootings and threats)
• Why might students feel pressure to keep quiet instead of reporting threats of school violence? Why is it so important for students to report school threats? Why might it be important to report a threat even if it might be a joke?

How Students Can Help Prevent Violence

• This article (updated October 2022) details some of the warning signs of school violence that students and staff can watch for.