On my honor

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 12 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: Why does Joel want to go bike riding with Tony even though he knows Tony often gets them into risky situations? What does this show about their friendship?
2. Chapter 2: Joel’s father makes Joel promise, “on my honor,” that he and Tony will only go to the park. Why is this promise important to the story?
3. Chapter 3: Tony wants to go to the river instead of the park. How does Joel react, and why do you think it is hard for him to say no?
4. Chapter 4: What clues show that swimming in the river is dangerous? How do these clues make you feel as a reader?
5. Chapter 5: How are Joel and Tony different in the way they handle fear and challenges? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.
6. Chapter 6: After Tony disappears in the river, what does Joel do first? What do his actions show about how frightened or confused he is?
7. Chapter 7: Why does Joel decide not to tell the truth right away? Do you understand his choice, even if you do not agree with it? Explain.
8. Chapter 8: How does Joel’s guilt affect the way he talks and acts around other people? Give an example from the chapter.
9. Chapter 9: What does the word “honor” mean in this story? How does Joel’s understanding of honor begin to change?
10. Chapter 10: Predict what might happen when the adults learn more about Tony’s disappearance. What evidence from the story helps you make your prediction?
11. Chapter 11: How does Joel’s relationship with his father change as the truth comes out? What emotions do you notice between them?
12. Chapter 12: What lesson do you think Joel learns by the end of the book? How could that lesson apply to real life?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 3: Tony wants to go to the river instead of the park. How does Joel react, and why do you think it is hard for him to say no?

I think Joel knows right away that going to the river is wrong because he promised his dad they would go to the park. At the same time, he does not want Tony to think he is scared or boring. It is hard for him to say no because Tony is pushy and Joel wants to keep their friendship. This shows how peer pressure can make a person ignore what they know is right.

Chapter 7: Why does Joel decide not to tell the truth right away? Do you understand his choice, even if you do not agree with it? Explain.

Joel does not tell the truth right away because he is terrified of getting in trouble and of what people will think of him. He also seems shocked, like he cannot fully believe what happened. I understand why he panics, but I do not agree with lying because it makes the situation worse. If I were Joel, I hope I would tell an adult right away, even though it would be very hard.

Chapter 12: What lesson do you think Joel learns by the end of the book? How could that lesson apply to real life?

I think Joel learns that telling the truth matters, even when the truth is painful or scary. He also learns that one bad choice can lead to serious consequences. In real life, this lesson could apply when friends dare you to do something unsafe. It is better to speak up early than to stay quiet and feel guilty later.