At his sleepover birthday party, Welles and his guests get into mischief. What is the mischief, why does Welles feel especially guilty about it, what does he offer to his father as penance, and how does is father respond? What do Welles’s actions that day, and his father’s reaction, illuminate about heroism?

Welles is short for his age and not natively talented in sports, which puts him at a disadvantage in Pop Warner football and, later, in hockey and lacrosse. Name three things Welles does to make up for his deficits. Why does Welles do each of those things? How does each effort to make up for his deficit contribute to his character and heroism later in life?

A groundhog is severely injured by the Crowther dogs, and 12-year-old Welles calls his father for advice. Jeff tells his son to put the groundhog out of its misery, and Welles kills the creature, crying as he does so. Briefly describe two attributes of Welles’ character that this moment demonstrates, and how it parallels his heroism during the 9/11 attack.