Small steps

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 42 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: What are the small steps Armpit is trying to follow as he starts over, and why do you think each one matters?
2. Chapter 2: How does Armpit’s friendship with Ginny show a different side of him than other people might expect?
3. Chapter 3: X-Ray brings Armpit an idea for making money. What makes the idea tempting, and what makes it risky?
4. Chapter 4: What do you learn about Armpit’s goals in this chapter, and how do his choices connect to those goals?
5. Chapter 5: How does the author show that Armpit is trying to be responsible, even when other people doubt him?
6. Chapter 6: What do Kaira DeLeon’s life and problems show about being famous?
7. Chapter 7: How does Ginny help Armpit see himself in a more positive way?
8. Chapter 8: What does the word trust mean in this chapter, and which character seems to earn or lose trust?
9. Chapter 9: What prediction can you make about X-Ray’s ticket plan, and what clues from the story support your thinking?
10. Chapter 10: How does Armpit feel about taking risks, and what does this show about how he has changed since Camp Green Lake?
11. Chapter 11: What problems begin to grow because of the ticket plan, and how do the characters react to those problems?
12. Chapter 12: How does money affect the choices Armpit and X-Ray make in this chapter?
13. Chapter 13: Why is the concert important to Ginny, and what does Armpit do to make the experience special for her?
14. Chapter 14: How does the author build excitement or worry during the concert scenes?
15. Chapter 15: When trouble happens with the tickets, how does Armpit respond, and what does his response tell you about him?
16. Chapter 16: How are Ginny’s feelings important in this chapter, and how do other characters treat her?
17. Chapter 17: What do Kaira’s actions in this chapter reveal about her character?
18. Chapter 18: How does meeting Kaira change Armpit’s life, even if only for a short time?
19. Chapter 19: What is one misunderstanding in this chapter, and how does it make the situation harder for Armpit?
20. Chapter 20: Do you think Armpit should keep trusting X-Ray? Why or why not?
21. Chapter 21: How does Armpit try to balance doing the right thing with helping his friend?
22. Chapter 22: What does this chapter suggest about second chances and how hard they can be?
23. Chapter 23: What clues show that Kaira may feel lonely even though she is surrounded by people?
24. Chapter 24: How does the setting of a hotel or concert tour make the story feel different from Armpit’s everyday life?
25. Chapter 25: What prediction can you make about Armpit and Kaira’s relationship, and what makes you think that?
26. Chapter 26: Which character seems to have the most power in this chapter, and how does that power affect others?
27. Chapter 27: What does Armpit learn about honesty in this chapter?
28. Chapter 28: How does Ginny’s point of view help you understand the events in a new way?
29. Chapter 29: What choices does Kaira have to make, and why are they difficult for her?
30. Chapter 30: How does the author create suspense as the problems around Kaira become more serious?
31. Chapter 31: What is one example of courage in this chapter, and why does it matter?
32. Chapter 32: How do Armpit’s past mistakes affect how other people judge him now?
33. Chapter 33: What theme about friendship can you find in this chapter? Use details to explain your thinking.
34. Chapter 34: How does the meaning of the word consequence fit what happens in this chapter?
35. Chapter 35: What do you think Armpit is most afraid of losing at this point in the story?
36. Chapter 36: How does Ginny show strength, even when things are frightening or confusing?
37. Chapter 37: What important information is revealed in this chapter, and how does it change what you think about earlier events?
38. Chapter 38: How do the characters work to uncover the truth, and what obstacles stand in their way?
39. Chapter 39: What does justice mean in this chapter, and do you think the events are fair?
40. Chapter 40: How has Armpit changed from the beginning of the book to now?
41. Chapter 41: What lesson do you think Kaira learns from everything that has happened?
42. Chapter 42: What is the main message of Small Steps, and how does the ending help show that message?

Example answers

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

Chapter 13: Why is the concert important to Ginny, and what does Armpit do to make the experience special for her?

I think the concert is important to Ginny because she loves Kaira’s music and it gives her something exciting to look forward to. Armpit helps make it special by taking her seriously and treating her like a real friend, not like a little kid. He wants her to have a happy night, so he pays attention to what she needs. This shows that he is kind and dependable.

Chapter 20: Do you think Armpit should keep trusting X-Ray? Why or why not?

I do not think Armpit should fully trust X-Ray anymore. X-Ray is his friend, but he often thinks about making money before thinking about what is safe or right. Armpit is trying to stay out of trouble, so he needs to be careful about who he listens to. He can still care about X-Ray without following every plan X-Ray makes.

Chapter 40: How has Armpit changed from the beginning of the book to now?

At the beginning of the book, Armpit is trying hard to start over, but he is not always sure he can do it. By this point, he has faced many problems and still keeps trying to make better choices. He has learned that one bad decision can lead to bigger trouble, but he has also shown courage and loyalty. I think he is more confident because he knows he can take small steps toward a better life.