Alex spends most of the novel worrying about his scrawny size compared to his sixth-grade peers, as the titular nickname “skinnybones” implies. Why is Alex’s age group relevant to his concerns about his size, and what do his worries suggest about the attributes that are most valued in mainstream American society?

How does Alex try to mitigate his fears? Do his strategies work, or do they backfire? Provide evidence from the text to support your response.

What do Alex’s interactions with various authority figures imply about his personality and approach to life?