Pages 3-69

Reading Check

1. They assume that Teddy’s head injury is an accident caused by a hard hit during the freshman scrimmage game on the last day of football camp. (Page 7)

2. The website is to give students a chance to provide uplifting and inspirational messages to support Teddy as he recovers. (Pages 16; 46-48)

3. He reveals that Teddy collapsed not after he was tackled but rather after he got up and tried to walk off the field. (Page 31)

Short Answer

1. The newspaper article that begins the novel reveals how the small town finds not only a source of revenue from the Friday night games but also a sense of community pride. The town’s team, under the current head coach, has developed a reputation for commitment and dedication. (Various pages)

2. Teddy’s mother felt that her commitment to her family came at the cost of her dream of being an artist. She did not want her children to see her unhappy. She was determined to find out who she is, and she could not do that and also stay in the family. (Pages 20-21)

3. At the heart of Ethan’s decision to tackle Teddy is his fear that he is not living up to the football team’s definition of a man.