Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. A pencil (Chapter 1)

2. Black Vine Swamp (Chapter 2)

3. A Florida panther (Chapter 3)

Short Answer

1. Mrs. Starch is described as cruel and strict. When a student, Marta, vomited, she forced her to write an essay on the physiology of regurgitation. She also ridicules Duane Scrod Jr. in front of the class. (Chapter 1)

2. The children hear a gun shot and an unearthly scream. Following those incidents, the class smells smoke and must leave the area before a wildfire breaks out. (Chapter 3)

Chapters 4-7

Reading Check

1. An inhaler (Chapter 4)

2. Duane Jr. (Chapter 5)

3. A letter (Chapter 6)

4. A pen from Red Diamond Energy Corporation (Chapter 7)

Short Answer

1. Nick is concerned when he doesn’t hear from his father who is serving in Iraq. After his return, Nick learns that his father has lost his arm in a grenade attack, and Nick feels guilty because his father’s service in the military enabled him to attend Truman School. (Various Chapters)

2. Dr. Dressler indicates that he has learned Mrs.