1.

Junior used to be bullied by the school kids in the reservation and is now
being ignored by the kids in Reardan. Describe how it makes him feel to be
ignored instead of being bullied.

Junior feels worse than a zombie, like a human without body and soul and describes himself
like zero. He had a deficit of attention from others, and even wanted to start punching others to get it
because it makes incredibly lonely and depressed. But from this, he learned he was smarter than most
white pupils.

2. Why is Junior thrilled that Mary left the reservation? Why does he consider
both of them warriors?

He understood that his sister did not give up and not abounded her dreams, but
otherwise showed how she is brave and unstoppable by marring with Indian who
from Mantana rez that even white people feared them. And it’s inspired him that
despite she ended up in tough situation, she’s continuing to fight, alone with
whole world.

They were both dreamer and so they wanted more than they had now but rez
could give them it and even tried to destroy their hope or force to give up. But
they took risks to escape from this infinite circle of poverty and continue fight in
another world with white people but where much more opportunities that they
will succeed in life.

3. Compare and contrast Junior’s friendship with Gordy to his friendship with
Rowdy.

Junior and Rowdy was best friends from birth. They spend a lot of time together
that they become inseparable friends which shared dreams, thoughts, and secrets
with each other. Rowdy always defeated Junior from bullies, but Junior shared
funny cartoons which Rowdy adored and loved.

Although Gordy and Junior in the friendship, they have more “school”
relationships because only few days ago they become friends as to weird and
lonely guys or “freaks” that found each other eventually. They joked a lot, but
they were not too close to share dreams with each other. Gordy tried always help
Junior with school or teach for instant how to read books.

4. How is Junior’s life changing for the better?

He is no longer isolated and alone he’s making friends and learns how to study and
read better. Also, he is very glad for his sister, him and her are freaky. He is a joyous
freak in Reardan unlike on the rez where he is just a freak because he loved books.

5. Why does Junior compare Penelope to his dad?

They are both in pain and to handle it they try deadening that by puking and
drinking.
6. How does Junior make Penelope cry? Why do you think Penelope is afraid all the
time?

7. Explain why Junior feels like a stranger when travelling between Reardan and
Wellpinit.

He is fighting with two different selves.

8. Have a look at the illustration on page 120 of the novel. Which of Junior’s excuses
regarding his poverty do you think would be most effective?

9. Were you surprised at Roger’s and Penelope’s reactions after Junior reveals he is
poor? Why (not)?

10. Why does Junior believe that, “If you let people into your life a little bit, they can be
pretty damn amazing”? (Page 129) How could you apply this statement to your own
life?