Chapter 9: "Grandmother Gives Me Some Advice"

Junior seeks wisdom from his grandmother regarding Roger's reaction to being punched. This chapter highlights the importance of family and cultural wisdom in Junior's life.

Quote: "Her response: Roger pays respect to Junior"

Chapter 10: "Tears of a Clown"

This chapter explores Junior's emotional vulnerabilities as he deals with rejection and loneliness. He confides in Rowdy about his crush on a girl named Dawn, only to be met with harsh reality from his friend.

Highlight: Junior's tears in this chapter reveal the emotional toll of his experiences and the challenges of adolescence.

Chapter 11: "Halloween"

Junior and Penelope dress up as homeless people for Halloween, planning to collect money for charity. However, Junior's experience takes a dark turn when he is assaulted and robbed by three boys.

Theme: This chapter touches on themes of social awareness, charity, and the harsh realities of violence.

Chapter 12: "Slouching Toward Thanksgiving"

Junior begins to find his place at Reardan, standing up to a teacher and forming a friendship with Gordy. This chapter shows Junior's growing confidence and his ability to form new relationships.

Characterization: Gordy is introduced as a potential new friend and study partner for Junior, highlighting the importance of academic support and shared interests.

Chapter 13: "My Sister Sends Me an E-mail"

Junior's sister Mary writes to him from Montana, expressing excitement about her new experiences. This chapter provides insight into the opportunities and experiences available outside the reservation.

Quote: "She is really excited about everything, especially the phone in the bathroom of the hotel"

Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"

This chapter contrasts the joy of Junior's family Thanksgiving dinner with the sadness of Rowdy's absence. Junior attempts to reconnect with Rowdy by drawing him a cartoon, showcasing the ongoing importance of their friendship despite the distance between them.

Highlight: The chapter explores themes of family, tradition, and the complexities of maintaining friendships through change.

Chapter 15: "Hunger Pains"

Junior accidentally stumbles upon someone vomiting in the girls' bathroom at school. This chapter hints at deeper issues among his classmates and introduces new challenges Junior must navigate in his new environment.

Theme: This chapter touches on themes of eating disorders and the hidden struggles of seemingly privileged students.

Chapter 16: "Rowdy Gives Me Advice About Love"

The chapter title suggests a continuation of Junior's relationship with Rowdy and possibly explores Junior's romantic interests. It likely delves into themes of friendship, love, and seeking advice from those we trust.

Highlight: The ongoing connection between Junior and Rowdy, despite their earlier conflict, demonstrates the resilience of their friendship.

Chapter 20-21: Basketball and Identity

These chapters focus on Junior's basketball journey at Reardan and the emotional complexity of playing against his former school.

Highlight: The basketball games become a metaphor for Junior's divided identity.

Chapter 1: "The Black-Eye-of-the-Month Club"

This chapter introduces the main character, Junior, and his life on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Junior discusses his childhood health issues and the bullying he faces from others on the reservation.

Highlight: Junior's favorite activity is drawing, which he uses as a way to express himself and cope with his challenges.

The chapter also touches on the theme of poverty and its consequences for Junior and his family. One significant effect is hunger, which leads Junior to particularly appreciate when chicken is served for dinner.

Quote: "Another [consequence of poverty] is that he couldn't help his dog which suffered from sickness, so his father shot him. Junior lost his best friend."

Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"

This chapter delves deeper into the impact of poverty on Junior's life, particularly focusing on the importance of food and the emotional connection to meals like chicken dinner.

Chapter 3: "Revenge Is My Middle Name"

This chapter is dedicated to Junior's best friend, Rowdy. Junior describes Rowdy as a complex character - tough and aggressive, but also goofy and loyal.

Characterization: Rowdy is portrayed as Junior's protector, often seeking revenge on those who bully Junior.

Junior explains how Rowdy makes him feel safe and is the only person who truly listens to him.

Chapter 4: "Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France"

At age 14, Junior starts high school at Wellpinit High on the reservation. He expresses his love for geometry and his fears about Rowdy becoming as dismissive towards him as others on the reservation.

Vocabulary: Rez - Short for reservation, referring to the Spokane Indian Reservation where Junior lives.

Junior accidentally hits his teacher, Mr. P, with a book and gets suspended. During his suspension, Mr. P visits Junior at home and encourages him to leave the reservation for a better future.

Chapter 5: "Hope Against Hope"

Junior discusses his decision to transfer to Reardan, a predominantly white school off the reservation, with his parents. This chapter highlights the theme of seeking opportunities and the challenges of leaving one's community.

Chapter 6: "Go Means Go"

Junior informs Rowdy about his decision to transfer to Reardan. This news causes a rift in their friendship, with Rowdy reacting violently by punching Junior in the face.

Highlight: This chapter explores the theme of friendship and the strain that personal growth and change can put on relationships.

Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"

This chapter focuses on Junior's first day at Reardan High School. He experiences culture shock and faces racism from his new classmates.

Example: When Roger makes a racist joke, Junior punches him, which unexpectedly earns him respect from his peers.

Chapter 8: "How to Fight Monsters"

Junior continues to navigate his new environment at Reardan, dealing with cultural differences and trying to find his place among his white classmates.