Understanding the Drama

What is the main conflict in the drama?

• Nelson cannot decide what to write about in Writing Camp.

• Nelson believes Lucia has taken his book and wants it back.

• Nelson does not want to go to Writing Camp anymore.

• Nelson cannot find his backpack and blames Matt.

Read line 25. NELSON:

Hi, Lucia. Where’d you get that book?

Why does Nelson ask Lucia this question?

• To learn where he can buy the same book

• To find out if she picked up his book in the library.

• To get suggestions from her about where to look for his book

• To see if there is another copy of the book in the library

What does the word assume mean in line 32?

• Suggest a different solution

• Realize something is missing

• Wonder about a problem

• Believe something without proof.

Which line from the play best supports the idea that Nelson realizes he made a mistake?

• NELSON: Are you sure you didn’t find it here? (line 27)

• NELSON: Don’t you think that’s strange? (line 33)

• NELSON: Poor Lucia was telling the truth all along. (line 44)

• NELSON: But now I have another plan. (line 48)

Read line 45.

MR. LUND: Well, tomorrow is a new day.

What does this line suggest?

• Nelson can improve the situation with Lucia and Ms. Chen.

• Lucia will notice that Nelson is being nice to her.

• Mr. Lund will help Nelson look for a new backpack.

• Nelson should return to Writing Camp with Matt.

Why is Mr. Lund important to the resolution of the play?

• He listens to Nelson talk about his problem.

• He tells Nelson to look through his backpack again.

• He looks through the house to find the book.

• He offers a way to apologize the next day at camp.

Read the dictionary entry for check:

check \ˈchek\ verb

1. to mark

2. to control

3. to search

4. to study

Which definition of check is used in line 21?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Read this stage direction from line 30.

LUCIA: [Closing the book and holding it to her chest.]

What does this stage direction suggest about Lucia?

• She wants to be sure to take the book when she leaves.

• She wants to read the book before Nelson does.

• She is upset that Nelson plans to write about the book.

• She realizes that Nelson thinks the book belongs to him.

Which of the following best describes Nelson’s character development in the play?

• He learns the importance of apologizing and trusting others.

• He becomes more suspicious of his friends.

• He decides that books are not important.

• He chooses to stop going to Writing Camp.

What is the theme of the play?

• Books should always be shared with friends.

• Trust and honesty are important in friendships.

• Libraries are the best places to find books.

• It is important to always have a backup book to read.