How does the novel portray power dynamics at school? Are they necessary? Can they exist to benefit teachers and students alike? Support your argument with at least five examples from the novel.

Dave and Lynsey are both very talkative. Suggest two reasons, aside from gender bias, why they might dislike someone else their age who also is chatty. Support your argument with evidence from the novel which reveals more about Dave and Lynsey’s characters.

The contest creates many unexpected results. Give two ways in which strict limits on talking surprise the fifth graders, and offer two reasons why the contest benefits the teachers. Support your examples with evidence from the novel.