Way of the warrior kid

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 24 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. What problems is Marc facing at the beginning of the story, and how do those problems make him feel about himself?
2. How does Uncle Jake’s arrival begin to change the mood of Marc’s summer? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.
3. What do you predict Marc will learn from Uncle Jake during the summer? Why do you think that?
4. What does Marc learn about being a Warrior Kid, and how is it different from just wishing things were easier?
5. How does Marc react when he starts exercising and realizes how hard it is? What does this show about his character?
6. Why does Uncle Jake care about what Marc eats? How might food choices connect to Marc’s bigger goals?
7. Marc has to work on a skill that makes him nervous or uncomfortable. How does he deal with that challenge?
8. How does Uncle Jake help Marc think differently about schoolwork, especially math?
9. What does Marc’s daily routine show about discipline? Do you think routines can help kids reach goals? Why or why not?
10. Describe Uncle Jake as a teacher or coach. What does he do that helps Marc improve?
11. Marc does not become stronger or smarter all at once. How does he handle setbacks in this part of the story?
12. How is Marc’s confidence changing as he practices and trains? Give an example from the chapter.
13. What does Marc learn from practicing a new physical skill, such as martial arts or self-defense?
14. How does Marc think about Kenny, the bully, as the story goes on? Does Marc’s thinking change? Explain.
15. Why is setting goals important for Marc? How do his goals help him stay focused?
16. Marc learns that being a Warrior Kid includes training his mind, not just his body. What is one way he works on his mind?
17. How do Marc’s relationships with his family change during the summer? Use details from the chapter.
18. When Marc feels tired or wants to quit, what helps him keep going? What does this teach readers?
19. What theme, or big lesson, is shown by Marc taking small steps every day?
20. In what ways is Marc becoming more responsible for his own choices? Give at least two examples.
21. As the new school year gets closer, what do you predict will happen when Marc sees his classmates again?
22. How does Marc handle a difficult moment with Kenny or another student? What does his reaction show?
23. Compare Marc at the end of the book to Marc at the beginning. What are the biggest changes you notice?
24. What lesson from this book could you use in your own life? Explain how you might use it.

Example answers

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

What do you predict Marc will learn from Uncle Jake during the summer? Why do you think that?

I predict Marc will learn that he can improve if he works hard every day. Uncle Jake seems like someone who will not just feel sorry for Marc, but will teach him what to do. I think Marc will learn skills like exercising, studying, and being brave. I also think he will learn that becoming better takes time.

Marc does not become stronger or smarter all at once. How does he handle setbacks in this part of the story?

Marc handles setbacks by trying again instead of giving up forever. Sometimes he gets frustrated because the workouts or schoolwork are hard, but Uncle Jake helps him see that mistakes are part of learning. I think Marc starts to understand that one bad day does not ruin his goal. He keeps practicing, and that shows he is becoming tougher inside.

In what ways is Marc becoming more responsible for his own choices? Give at least two examples.

Marc is becoming more responsible because he chooses to train even when it is hard. He also starts paying attention to things like eating better and studying instead of waiting for someone else to fix his problems. I think he learns that he cannot control everything, but he can control his effort. That makes him act more like a Warrior Kid.