1. Chapter Three & Four Comprehension Questions

2.  Both of his parents are shocked and surprised.  Elsie – calm, worries about his future  Homer, Sr. – embarrassed and worried about the family reputation

3.  Do you think you could build a real rocket?  “Well, I guess I could.”  “Sonny, you’re a sweet kid. I love you. But, doggone it, you’ve just been drifting along like you were on a cloud your whole life, making up games and leading Roy Lee and Sherman and O’dell…I’m thinking maybe it’s time you straighten up.”

4.  “Why doesn’t Dad like me?” (pg. 50)  “It’s not that he doesn’t like you. It’s just with the mine and all, he’s never had much time to think about you one way or the other.”

5.  Buck Trant says, “You little sisters are idiot morons,” which he finds humorous and has the other football players join in and chant. He also states, “You little sisters couldn’t blow your noses without your mamas!”  Sonny responds, “At least we know where our mamas are.”

6.  “I just want you to know how really great it is to have a brother that is a complete moron.” He also states, “Everyone is laughing at the family because of you.”  Jim wants discourage Sonny from continuing to build rockets, as well as, making Sonny feel as though he does not belong in the family.

7.  Homer intervenes by going to Welch to discuss and hire a lawyer to dispute the team’s concerns.  He believes they were cheated out the championship game, and he wants the team to be able to play in the championship game.

8.  Discuss the “cut-offs” within the company and how Homer has become a “company man”  Homer has a coughing fit and Dubonnet points out the safety issues and how Homer should get an X-ray 

9.  Being cut off in Coalwood, initially means losing their job; however, it is a requirement to have a male figure working at the coal mine in order to live in Coalwood. Therefore, being “cut-off” results in the family ultimately losing everything and being forced to relocate.

10.  A dime-size spot on his lungs  She is very concerned and worried and tries to convince him to do something about it.  Sonny is extremely panicky and unable to do anything to help.