Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. The social worker’s office (Chapter 2)

2. Benny Kilmartin (Chapter 4)

Short Answer

1. Mason is comfortable in the SWOOF because he is always welcome and accepted there. This comfort stands in contrast to his other experiences in school. Students bully him because of his intelligence, and he feels insecure about sweating all the time. (Various chapters)

2. Mason is not often included or received well by his peers. He likely feels the need to memorize compliments because they are rare in his school world. (Chapter 3)

Chapters 8-15

Reading Check

1. A notebook and an orange pencil (Chapter 11)

Short Answer

1. Mason’s home life is complicated. In a run-down house that makes him feel insecure, he lives with his grandmother, Uncle Drum, and a girl named Shayleen. Uncle Drum brought Shayleen home one day because she did not have any money; she tends to be argumentative and buys items with Uncle Drum’s credit card. (Various chapters)

2. Mason sees emotions in color. For example, he describes his friendship with Calvin as pink because to Mason it represents happiness. (Chapter 13)

Chapters 16-23

Reading Check

1. Mason and Benny (