Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. His grades (Chapter 1)

2. Nick (Chapter 1)

3. She has cancer (Chapter 3)

Short Answer

1. Slam is concerned about his mother, who worries about his grades but has no idea how to resolve the issue and is concerned he will have to transfer back to Carver if his grades do not improve. Slam’s father has difficulty keeping work, and he drinks often when unemployed. He worries about his brother’s future growing up in their neighborhood. Slam’s worries reveal that he feels responsible for his family’s well-being, pointing to his leadership role in the family. (Chapter 1)

2. Slam is proud of his basketball skills. Though he shows up for tryouts late, he brags to his teammates that he is the best of everyone on the team. He easily beats Coach Nipper when the coach challenges him to a one-on-one game. Ducky is excited about Slam’s skills and hopes the team will have a winning season. The other players may be resentful of Slam’s boasting. (Various chapters)

3. Slam’s mother asked his brother to buy food, but he couldn’t leave the house because of a drive-by shooting nearby, where a stray bullet hit a girl.