Rules

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

CHAPTERS 1-7

Reading Check

1. How old is David?

2. Where does Catherine meet Jason?

3. What is Jason upset about not being able to buy?

4. Which book does David love and often quote?

5. How does Jason communicate?

Short Answer

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

1. Why does Catherine have rules for her brother David?

2. What bothers David on the ride home from the clinic and why?

3. How does Catherine feel about Kristi moving in next door?

4. How does Catherine approach the word cards for Jason?

5. What differences does Catherine identify between how her parents treat her versus David?

Paired Resources

“For Neurodivergent, Non-Speaking Poets, Collaboration Is the Basis of Language”

• This NPR article explores ways some people communicate beyond words.
• Theme connections include Words Are Important, Though Not the Only Form of Communication and People Are More Than the Challenges They Face.
• What are some ways characters in the novel communicate beyond words?

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”

• William Wordsworth’s poem describes the joy the speaker feels when he encounters a field of daffodils in a moment of loneliness. Later, when he is alone again, he can happily recall the image of the daffodils.
• The poem connects to the theme of Every Soul Is Isolated and Challenged.
• How does Catherine use images to cope with her loneliness?

CHAPTERS 8-15

Reading Check

1. The first time they hang out, what do Kristi and Catherine do?

2. What gift does Jason send Catherine?

3. How does Catherine say thanks to Jason for the gift?

4. Where do Kristi and Catherine go swimming?

5. Where does Jason invite Catherine on Saturday?

Short Answer

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

1. How does Ryan treat David, and what is Catherine’s reaction?

2. How does running together affect Catherine and Jason?

3. Why is the garden important to Catherine?

4. When Catherine and Kristi make wishes, why does Catherine not share hers?

5. When going to the beach with Jason, why doesn’t Catherine let Kristi see her?

Paired Resource

“What Young Disabled and Chronically Ill People Want You to Know”

• In this resource from Teen Vogue, young people experiencing health challenges express what others need to know.
• Theme connections include Every Soul Is Isolated and Challenged and People Are More Than the Challenges They Face.
• Based on details from the novel, what might Jason add to this list about what he wishes people knew?

CHAPTERS 16-22

Reading Check

1. How does Catherine help Kristi prepare for the dance?

2. What birthday present does Catherine buy Jason?

3. At the birthday party, where does Jason invite Catherine?

4. What does David bring to Catherine to fix?

5. At the dance, which wish does Catherine grant for David?

Short Answer

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

1. When Kristi puts on the music and tries to dance with David, why does Catherine turn off the music?

2. Why does Jason get upset about the “Together” card Catherine made?

3. What leads to Catherine crying at the end of Jason’s party?

4. How does the relationship shift between Catherine and her dad?

5. At the dance, what does Mrs. Morehouse reveal about how she parents Jason?

Paired Resource

“Music as a Language”

• In this five-minute Ted Talk, Victor Wooten, the bassist who has won five Grammy awards, explains the importance of music.
• The video connects to the theme of Words Are Important, Though Not the Only Form of Communication.
• How does Jason approach music?

Recommended Next Reads 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

• When Christopher finds a dead dog in his yard, he decides to investigate and ends up uncovering secrets and shifting his relationship with his parents, all while navigating the world with autism.
• Shared themes include Every Soul Is Isolated and Challenged; People Are More Than the Challenges They Face; and Words Are Important, Though Not the Only Form of Communication.
• Shared topics include autism, family, growing up, neighbors, acceptance, and different ways of communicating.
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on SuperSummary

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

• Due to cerebral palsy, Shawn has no physical control of his body but has perfect memory and total recall. Unable to communicate, he cannot express his brilliance with his family, and his father is tortured over fears his son is in pain.
• Shared themes include Every Soul Is Isolated and Challenged; People Are More Than the Challenges They Face; and Words Are Important, Though Not the Only Form of Communication.
• Shared topics include family, understanding, growing up, communication, people with disabilities, talents, and perspective.
• Stuck in Neutral on SuperSummary