Chapter 1

Reading Check

1. They are seated next to each other for registration in January.

2. Nick’s pen explodes and Charlie helps him clean up.

3. He’s a “rugby lad,” a “chav,” and probably throws food on the bus.

4. How fast Charlie can run

5. He thinks he’s small and weak. and doesn’t know how to play

6. He thinks Ben is using him.

7. They thought he would be bad at sports because he is gay.

8. Ben assaults Charlie.

9. Charlie’s smile

10. He is stupid, and it is pointless.

Short Answer

1. Nick protecting Charlie from Ben shows Charlie that Nick genuinely cares about him; this allows Charlie to begin to trust Nick.

2. Charlie is stereotyped as being bad at sports because he is gay, and Nick is stereotyped as being straight because he likes sports and hangs out with athletic boys. Charlie proves that he can excel at rugby with a little help from Nick.

Chapter 2

Reading Check

1. He was bullied.

2. Nick is worried about Charlie after the incident with Ben.

3. Being used by Ben

4. Charlie won’t heed his warnings about Nick.

5. Nellie, Nick’s dog

6. It starts snowing.

7. A hoodie

8. Hold Charlie’s hand

9. Whether he is gay

10. They think he might be gay.

11. Nick would rather spend time with Charlie than his old friends.

12. Being friends with Charlie

13. He pushes Ben away and tells Ben not to touch him.