1. Research the names "Zola Budd" and "Mary Decker." Explain who these people are and what they did. Explain, too, why "Zola" is an appropriate name for Willis's dog.

2. Read Mazer's novel The War on Villa Street, in which Willis Pierce, an eighth grader, is the main character.

Show in what ways Willis's characterization is the same in both novels and in what ways it is different.

3. The phrase "opposites attract" is sometimes used when referring to couples who seem to have little in common but are still attracted to one another.

Are Willis and Sophie truly opposites to one another, or are these two characters similar in some ways? Compare and contrast Sophie and Willis.

4. In thinking of his dream girl, Willis only seemed to think of the physical qualities she would have. Write a paper in which you describe...