Ch 1 and 2

Why does Tyray’s dad order him out of bed so early in the morning? What does Mr. Hobbs fear will happen if they don’t leave the house early?

What does Tyray tell his parents about what happened that night between him and Darrell? What does he leave out Tyray had spent his days as a freshman at Bluford High School tormenting Darrell, a new kid from Philadelphia. He had robbed him of his lunch money, tripped him in gym class, tossed him in a trash can at a school dance, and sent him home in tears more than once.

Question

1. In the excerpt, what does the word tormenting mean?

• educating

• causing to suffer

• entertaining

• . getting to know

For years, [Tyray] mostly ignored Dad’s rants, which had become much worse since Warren was arrested. But this time was different. This time, Dad’s words cut like a dagger in his heart.

Question

2. In the excerpt, what does the word rants mean?

•  angry outbursts

• gentle comments

• tired expressions

•  funny sayings

“Oh, so you got it all figured out now, is that what you’re sayin’? . . . You think his momma’s gonna sit still when he tells her some boy from school put a gun to his head?”

Question

3. These words were said byMrs. Hobbs

• Mrs. Hobbs

•  Mr. Hobbs.

• Bones

•  Mr. Mitchell.

“My friend is my business . . . Maybe you’d understand if you had some friends.”

Question

4. These words were said by

• Lark Collins.

•  Harold Washington

• . Darrell Mercer

• Jamee Wills.

“I used to draw whenever I got mad at something. I guess I got mad a lot.”

Question

5. These words were said by

• Jamee Wills.

• Lark Collins.

• Tyray Hobbs.

• Darrell Mercer.

Tyray winced. He didn’t need Jamee to remind him of what he had done to Lark Collins. The shy, frumpy girl was the only person who had been nice to him after his humiliation in the cafeteria. But Tyray had used her, convincing her to give him forty dollars for a gift for his mother. He actually wanted the money to buy a gun. When Lark found out that he had lied to her, she flashed him a sad look that tore his insides with guilt. Tyray pictured it when he held the gun to his head.

Question

6. The main idea of this excerpt is that

•  Lark was the only person who had been nice to Tyray after he broke his wrist.

•  Lark was disappointed when she found out that he had lied to her.

• Tyray still feels guilty about lying to Lark and taking her money.

“Many folks have theories about violence. Some blame society. They say people are born peaceful but that civilization—money and power—makes them violent. Others say people are born violent and that civilization—laws and police—keep us safe."

A few students snickered at the mention of the police, but Mr. Mitchell ignored them. “Your book talks about this. But before we get started, I wonder what you think. Where does violence come from?"

Question

7. The main idea of this passage is that

• some folks think people are born violent.

•  Mr. Mitchell is challenging the class to think about the nature of violence.

• not all the students are interested in what Mr. Mitchell has to say.

Tyray squirmed in his seat. He didn’t want to hear about violence or the police, especially after last night. The images of what had almost happened blazed raw and fresh in his mind. He felt like getting up and walking out of the classroom. Instead, he slouched low at his desk and waited for class to end. The teacher didn’t call on him the entire period.

Question

8. The main idea of this paragraph is that

• Tyray wants to avoid the class discussion on violence.

• the teacher doesn’t call on Tyray.

•  Tyray squirms and slouches in his seat.

Mr. Mitchell nodded grimly as Tyray spoke. Later, Tyray overheard the teacher suggest they see a family counselor. Dad shrugged off the idea. 

“I respect what you’re sayin’, Mr. Mitchell, but we can handle our own problems. We don’t need someone comin’ in here tellin’ us how to raise our son.” 

Tyray was relieved. He didn’t want some stranger trying to figure out what he had almost done. But he could tell by his mother’s eyes that she disagreed with Dad’s decision, though she didn’t say anything. It was always that way.

Question

9. You can conclude from this excerpt that Dad

•  may change his mind and follow Mr. Mitchell’s suggestion.

•  welcomes outside help in raising his children.

•  often makes decisions for the family without Mom’s input.