A Summer's Reading Review

What is the setting of the story?

• In California.

• In a poor immigrant neighborhood in New York City.

• In Manhattan.

• In a rich neighborhood in New York City.

The story takes place in a poor neighborhood in New York. What is the significance of this setting for George's life? Give information from the story to support your answer.

Answer explanation

The story takes place in a poor immigrant neighborhood in New York. The people who live there are not rich, and they are probably not educated. Therefore, George does not have a role model. He quit school at the age of 16, and he doesn’t have a job. He is passive in his life and does nothing in order to get an education. His dream is to have money and find a decent job. However, his surrounding does not motivate him to better his life.

Many of George's neighbors are _____________. They moved to the United States from another country.

How does George's neighborhood look?

• The streets on the sidewalks are stony and broken. People sit outside their stores.

• The neighborhood is secluded with a lot of flowers and greenery.

• The neighborhood is in good condition.

The result of George's leaving school at the age of sixteen was (–).

• he lived at home and studied carpentry

• he spent most of his days doing nothing

• he went to the fish market with his father

• he walked around the neighborhood all day long

When George went to the park he wished for a better life. What 4 things did he wish for?

• an education, a good job, money, happiness

• a decent job, money, a private house, respect

• a girlfriend, a decent job, a private house, people's respect

• a girlfriend, friends, a private house, money

How does George feel about the people in his neighborhood?

• He hates them.

• He doesn't know them.

• He loves them. They treat him like family.

• He doesn't dislike them, but doesn't like them very much either.

Why does George like Mr. Cattanzara? Give at least two reasons.

Answer explanation

1. When George was a kid, Mr. Cattanzara gave him money to buy lemon-ice. George liked that he payed attention to him.

2. Mr. Cattanzara is different from the other people in the neighborhood: He asks different questions and gives George the feeling he is genuinely interested and cares about him.

3. Mr. Cattanzara is updated and knowledgeable. He seems to know

what goes in all the newspapers. As a result, George sees him as a figure that he can respect.

Before speaking to Mr. Cattanzara, how did George spend his days? Give TWO examples from the story.

Answer explanation

1. He cleaned the house.

2. He sat in his room.

3. He read the World Almanac/ old magazines / newspapers.

4. He listened to the ballgame on the radio.

5. He went for walks in the neighborhood.

6. He spent time at the park.

How do you think Mr. Cattanzara sees George (what does he think of George)? Support your answer with information from the story.

Answer explanation

Mr. Cattanzara sees George as a young man who is going to repeat the same pattern of behavior as he did when he was young. He was smart but wasted his potential by not getting an education and works at a boring job. He wants George to stop wasting his potential and do something to change his life. He says to George, "Don't do what I did."