For Discussion...

Chapters 33-39

1.  How does Maniac get Russell and Piper to go with him?

2.  Describe in your own words the McNab house.

3.  What are some ways the McNab house is different from the Beale home?

4.  If Maniac shows them the "shortcut to Mexico," what do Russell and Piper promise to do?

5.  What does this phrase from Chapter 38 mean: "For the McNabs, there was nothing free about public education"?

6.  Why is Maniac upset with himself for crossing the finish line backwards when racing with Mars Bar?

7.  Why does Maniac pretend Giant John McNab pitched him "the stopball"?

8.  Why are the McNabs building the pillbox?

9.  Why does the pillbox bother Maniac so much?

Figurative Language

1.  There is a super example of figurative language on page 123.  What is it and can you explain why it's so good?

2.  Find the two metaphors, two similes, and one example of personification in Chapter 36.  Write the metaphors and similes and highlight the two nouns in each that are being compared.  As for the personification, what is being personified (given human traits)?