Part 1: Identifying characterization
1. What type of first day is the story about?

2. Who are the two main characters introduced?

3. Write one quote from paragraph 1 that describes the narrator using direct characterization.
Remember the format: "Your quote" (Author's Last Name 1).
What does this quote reveal about the character? Write in a complete sentence.
4. What inferences can you make about the narrator's mother from the following example of indirect
characterization in paragraph 7: "One monkey don't stop no show" (Jones 7).
Part 2: Understanding the impact of setting
5. How does the writer's use of setting in paragraphs 3-4 help to build the plot?
6. Why is the narrator unable to attend Seaton Elementary School, and instead must go to Walker-Jones?
What details from the text support your answer?
7.Using your understanding of setting, explain how Seaton Elementary differs from Waker-Jones. What
details from the text support your answer?
8. Using the quote below, which of the following is the best word to describe the mother?
"we go into the hall, where my mother kneels down to me. Her lips are quivering.I'll be back to pick
you up at twelve o'clock. "I don't want you to go nowhere. You just wait right here. And listen to
every word she say.
A. nurturing
B. afraid
C.proud
D.anxious