Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. “Peasant” (Chapter 1)

2. His mother is an English teacher, and his father is an accountant. (Chapters 1-2)

3. He creates “a really complex math problem to solve in [his] head” involving Tic Tacs. (Chapter 3)

Short Answer

1. For his English class prompt on “The most annoying thing in the world,” Steven decides to write about his younger brother Jeffrey. He notes that the problem with his brother is that Jeffrey idolizes Steven, but he also almost ruined Steven’s prized drumsticks and embarrassed him in front of Renee Albert. (Chapter 1)

2. On October 7, Jeffrey falls off a stool, hits his head, and begins bleeding significantly. Steven and his parents are shaken by the amount of blood, and his mother rushes Jeffrey to the hospital, while Steven’s dad quietly drives him to school. (Chapter 2)

3. While both girls inquire about Steven’s unusual mental state that day, Renee leaves almost immediately to speak with her friends, while Annette compassionately asks about Jeffrey’s health. (Chapter 3)

4. Mr. W is the conductor of the All-City High School Jazz Band, who supports Steven with his music.