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

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What puts Slam at risk of losing his opportunity to play basketball?

2. Who does Slam think is the best player on the Latimer basketball team?

3. Why is Grandma Ellie sick?

Short Answer

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

1. What are Slam’s concerns about his family, and what do those concerns reveal about his role in the family?

2. How does Slam feel about his basketball skills? What do you suspect Slam’s teammates might think about his attitude toward his skills?

3. Why does Slam want his brother to live in a different neighborhood? What evidence supports your claim?

4. Why do you think Slam and Ice don’t get along as well as they used to?

Paired Resource

Harlem, New York

• This article explores the history behind the district of Harlem in New York.
• When was Harlem established? How did Harlem change in the 19th century? What is the Harlem Renaissance? Why did the Harlem neighborhood begin to deteriorate? How does the deterioration of Harlem have an impact on Slam and his family? How does it impact Slam’s friends?