2. How do the Pickwells know when it is dinnertime?
(a) Mrs. Pickwell rings a bell.
(b) Mrs. Pickwell sends the dog for them.
(c) Mrs. Pickwell whistles.
(d) Mrs. Pickwell hollers for them.

3. What is Amanda carrying to school in her suitcase?
(a) A project.
(b) A puppy.
(c) Crayons and drawing paper.
(d) Books.

4. Why does Maniac use only one hand to handle the football?
(a) He only has one hand.
(b) He is holding a book with the other one.
(c) His other hand is hurt.
(d) He is showing off.

5. What is Grayson curious about that he asks Maniac while Maniac eats at the diner?
(a) How Maniac came to live with the buffalo.
(b) How black people live.
(c) How Maniac got his name.
(d) How Maniac untied the Cobble's Knot.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is being called over and over again to Maniac when the kids are playing on that hot August day in chapter 17?

2. What is the confetti made out of that the townspeople throw for Maniac's celebration of untying the knot?

3. What is the name of McNab's gang?

4. What is the first book Grayson reads cover to cover?

5. What do Maniac and Grayson do right after Thanksgiving dinner?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is it that Maniac could have a meal at the Pickwell house and nobody questions his presence?

2. How do the Beale's show that they are not prejudiced people?

3. Why is the big black man so upset that Maniac is playing in the fire hydrant water?

4. Chapter 14 ends with Mrs. Beale asking Maniac whether he is Maniac or not. He responds saying that he is Jeffrey. She states that in her house he will always be Jeffrey. What does this mean for the two of them?

5. How does Maniac get his nickname?

6. Why does Maniac say Amen when Grayson finishes reading his first book and what effect does it have on Grayson?

7. Why won't Maniac go to school?

8. How does the story of Grayson't past affect Maniac?

9. What stops McNab and the Cobras from chasing Maniac after the home run hit? What does this say about the boys?

10. The fact that Maniac takes a nap during the untying of the famous knot says a lot about the way he perceives the event. What does it say?

(see the answer keys)

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