Part 1, Chapters 1-16

Reading Check

1. His recurring memory is of being abandoned by his mother. (Part 1, Chapter 1)

2. His nose is broken, he is malnourished, and he has impetigo. (Part 1, Chapter 4)

3. With Willie and Betty (Part 1, Chapter 5)

4. They force Steve to wash dishes and Reggie hurts him. (Part 1, Chapter 6)

5. Almost as bad as Steve (Part 1, Chapter 8)

6. Mrs. Blake; he reads at her house when he can. (Part 1, Chapter 9)

7. They suspect he has been abused. (Part 1, Chapter 10)

8. He tells him to keep reading and he will find a way out of his situation. (Part 1, Chapter 12)

Short Answer

1. Steve’s desire is to find a family that loves him and will take care of him. (Various chapters)

2. Books provide a place for Steve to escape his situation both mentally and physically. The characters in the stories he reads encourage him to overcome unbelievable odds. (Various chapters)

3. He is angry and violent. (Part 1, Chapter 8)

4.