1. At the beginning of Chapter 3, Morgan and Jimmy's mothers call the school to have Morgan and Jimmy excused. Is their behavior responsible?

Should parents ever lie to school authorities? Discuss the options that schools could implement to cover such events.

2. Compare the last part of Chapter 4 with the first part of Chapter 12. Why did Jimmy and Morgan lash out at each other after their poor performances?

Discuss constructive ways to deal with feelings of failure.

3. When she sees her aunt comforting Mrs. Woolf after Jimmy's accident, Morgan does not have to be told that Jimmy is dead. Why? Discuss the power of nonverbal communication.

4. Why was Morgan unable to attend Jimmy's funeral?

5. At the end of the novel, Morgan throws Jimmy's jacket in the river.

What does this act symbolize for Morgan?