IN THE GAME

Where is Cory at the start of the story and what is he doing?

• Cory is at home playing video games

• Cory is at school studying

• Cory is at The Foot Palace waiting in line to buy sneakers

• Cory is at the basketball court practicing

How does the sentence 'He could actually feel his heart beating faster' show Cory's feelings about getting the sneakers?

• Cory is scared and wants to leave the store

• Cory is excited and anxious to get the sneakers

• Cory is angry and frustrated with the long line

• Cory is disappointed and doesn't care about the sneakers

How do you think Cory got the shoes? What might this tell you about Cory's dad?

• Cory's dad bought the shoes from another store

• Cory's dad convinced the cashier to give them the last pair

• Cory's dad stole the shoes when no one was looking

• Cory's dad asked someone else in line to give them their pair

What might Cory be thinking when he glances back at the disappointed boy in the hoodie?

• Cory feels sorry for the boy and wishes he could help

• Cory is jealous of the boy for not getting the sneakers

• Cory is happy that he got the sneakers and the boy didn't

• Cory doesn't care about the boy and just wants to leave

Why is Cory so confident that he and Jason will be on the list for the tournament?

• Cory and Jason are the best players on their basketball team

• Cory's dad is the coach and will choose them for the tournament

• Cory and Jason have been practicing together all year

• Cory and Jason are the only ones who signed up for the tournament

What do the shoes mean to Jason?

• The shoes are just a fashion statement for Cory and Jason

• The shoes represent their love for basketball and their idol Isaiah Jackson

• The shoes are a symbol of their friendship and teamwork

• The shoes are a status symbol and show off their wealth

Why do you think the author ends the sectionwith the list of chosen players for the tournament with JUST the list and no conversation after it?

• The author wants to create suspense and leave the reader wondering

• The author wants to show that Cory and Jason are disappointed with the list

• The author wants to emphasize the importance of the tournament

• The author wants to highlight the conflict between Cory and his dad

What are some of Cory's dad's possible reasons for not picking Jason for the tournament?

• Jason is not a good player and doesn't deserve to be on the team

• Cory's dad has personal connections with the other players' families

• Cory's dad wants to give other players a chance to shine

• Cory's dad doesn't like Jason and wants to exclude him

How does Cory's thinking change between here and the end of the story?

• Cory becomes more angry and resentful towards his dad

• Cory becomes more understanding and accepting of his dad's decision

• Cory becomes more determined to prove himself in the tournament

• Cory becomes more focused on his own success and forgets about Jason

What does seeing Jason's brother affect Cory?

• Cory feels jealous and resentful towards Jason's brother

• Cory feels guilty and responsible for Jason not playing

• Cory feels happy and excited for Jason's surprise

• Cory feels indifferent and doesn't care about Jason's brother