Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. How does Bryon earn money in Charlie’s bar?

2. How does Mark obtain the money to pay Charlie?

3. What does M&M leave behind after the fight?

4. Where does Cathy work?

5. Which of Bryon’s requests does Charlie deny?

6. Who is Bryon’s ex-girlfriend?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is M&M upset at Bryon and Mark, even though they saved him?

2. Why does Bryon’s mother encourage Bryon and Mark to visit with Mike?

3. How does Mike feel toward the people who attacked him? What does this show regarding his character?

4. Explain Mr. Carlson’s attitude toward his son, M&M.

Paired Resource

“What’s It Like to Be a Gang Member?”

• This article by Billy Lee shares the author’s experience as a Chinese American gang member during the 1960s. (Content Warning: This article discusses violence and murder; it also uses insensitive language.)
• How are Lee’s experiences as a gang member similar to and different from Bryon’s experiences with gang violence? How do they exemplify The Vicious Cycle of Revenge?

“African American Remembers Discrimination of the Past”