What is the name of our main character?
Howard
Where did Howard move from? Where did he move to?
Howard moved from Arizona to Massachusetts.
What does Molly call her grandma?
Nonni
in the beginning of the book, how is Howard feeling towards Molly?
He doesn't want to hang out with her because she is younger.
At the end of chapter 4, Howard gets a compliment from a few kids in his class. What was the compliment? How did it make Howard feel?
1. "nice kick" 2. He felt really happy, like they were the best words he had ever heard.
On the top of page 56, Howard says, “It was the first time all day I hadn’t felt alone.” Why does Howard feel this way?
His parents had just hugged him
Describe how Howard’s attitude toward school was changing in chapter 6.
He is starting to feel more comfortable.
Reread page 84. What advice is Howard’s mother giving him about Molly?
At some point Howard may need a friend, and he isn't being kind to her.
Would you describe Molly as having “thick skin?” Why or why not?
multiple answers.
What are Howard’s stages of friendship in chapter 8?
1. Meet 2. learn their names 3. say hi 4. doing things
Even though Howard knew that the game “keep away” was mean, he played it with Molly’s doll anyway. Why did he do this?
He was trying to show off to his new friends.
Do you think it was wrong of Howard to play keep-away with Molly’s doll? Why or why not?
many answers.
Why does Howard say that Pete reminds him of Thornsberry? (hint: page 105)
He stands up for the right thing.
Who was Ronald Dumont?
The student at Howards old school that played horse with the other kids.
How has Howard’s behavior toward Molly changed at the end of the book? Why do you think it changed?
He has gotten used to her.
