Nothing but the Truth “Team Talk” Questions

Ch. 1-8 (p. 1 – 25): 1. Describe Philip. How old he is, what school he attends, what he loves and hates about his life and school, what his interests are, etc.   2. How does Miss Narwin feel about Philip? (You know from what she says in her letters to her sister.) 3. What is the financial situation of Philip’s family? There are at least two instances when he mentions what’s going on because of money. 4. On p. 12, analyze the question and the answer. Do you think Philip read the book? Why or why not? 5. What is the school’s financial situation? 6. What happens to Philip’s dreams about track?

(Ch. 9-10) p. 26-48: 7. Why doesn’t Philip tell his parents or his friends the truth about track and his grades?   8. Describe Philip’s behavior in Miss Narwin’s class. 9. Why does Miss Narwin kick Philip out of class? Make a judgment: was this response right or wrong? If it happened to your friend, would you think your friend was wrong or Miss Narwin was wrong? (If you say Miss Narwin, that’s ok!) Please explain your answer. (Separate paper.)

C. 11-12 (p. 49-73) 10. On p. 50, talking with Dr. Palleni, does Philip lie, tell the truth as he sees it, or tell the actual truth as you, the reader, sees it? Please explain your answer.   11. Why do you think the conversation between Mr. Malloy and Mr. Dexter (p. 53) is included? 12. On P. 61-62, why does Philip refuse to apologize? 13. Read through the end of p. 71. Based on this section, analyze whether you think each of his parents responded correctly in this situation. Do think one of his parents responded better or worse than the other? Would you want your parents to respond this way or differently?

Ch.12-13 (p. 73 – 98): 14. Often, adults send MEMOs (or emails) to their bosses to keep their bosses informed about what is going on. a) to whom does Dr. Palleni send a note about Philip’s new homeroom assignment? (2 people)   b) why, according to Dr. Palleni’s note to his boss, Dr. Gertrude Doane, does he make this change?   15. What does the conversation on p. 74 and the letter on p. 77-78 tell you about Miss Narwin?

16. On p. 79-80, Philip doesn’t tell his parents the whole story 16. On p. 79-80, Philip doesn’t tell his parents the whole story. Misunderstandings result. a) what does his father think? b) what does Mr. Griffin think? c) why does Mr. Griffin get involved? d) why do you think Mr. Griffin calls the reporter?   e) what lies/misunderstandings occur during the conversation with the reporter beginning on p. 83?

p.99 Read the article Jennifer Stewart writes. Then, go back and look for the following information. Give at least 3 specific examples for each question: 21. What in the article is untrue?   22. What in the article is true? 23. On p. 100-101, does the Superintendant or the Principal think it’s true or not?

Ch. 14-15 (p. 102 – 139): The adults (Mr. and Mrs. Marlow, Ted Griffin, talk show host Jake Barlow) all believe this issue between Philip and Miss Narwin is about patriotism. Do you think the story so far is about patriotism? If so, why? If not, what do you think it’s really about? (Separate paper) 25. Why did the author include the conversation on p. 102?   26. In the conversations with the students, do they understand what really happened? 27. Compare the way the memo changes between pages 119, 128, and 131. Name 3 of the most important changes:  28. What does Philip think about what has happened in this incident?

Ch. 16 (p. 140 – 167): 29. Why do you think the letters to Miss Narwin from people around the country were included?   30. What are the differences between the way Philip’s friends are treating him and the way the people sending him letters are? (p. 152 and following) 31. Why does Miss Narwin respond so harshly to Philip? (p. 159) Consider the conversation between Philip and Coach Jamison on p. 160 when formulating your answer. 32. Why is Philip so upset in this section?

Ch. 17-19 (p. 167-End): 34. Look at the last page. Why do you think Avi ended the book this way? What is he trying to say about the situation? Be thoughtful and make sure your answer is at least a few sentences and expresses complete ideas. (Separate paper)