My Life as a Book

Multiple Choice

1. C (Chapter 1)

2. A (Various chapters)

3. B (Various chapters)

4. D (Various chapters)

5. A (Various chapters)

6. B (Various chapters)

7. C (Chapter 23)

8. D (Various chapters)

9. D (Various chapters)

10. A (Various chapters)

11. B (Chapter 29)

12. C (Chapter 27)

13. C (Chapter 26)

14. D (Chapter 33)

15. B (Chapter 33)

Long Answer

1. Derek expects his summer to be relaxing, full of adventure, and spent playing with Matt and Bodi. He also expects to spend his time investigating the mystery of Susan James. Instead, he finds that he’ll be attending Learning Camp and that the story of Susan James is more dark than exciting. Derek is surprised to find that he gets along with Carly, Learning Camp is fun, he can enjoy reading, and he discovers that his illustrations can become a flipbook. (Various chapters)

2. Derek feels he’s not good at anything related to school or learning, and he knows that he’s messy and often poorly behaved. His talent for drawing allows him to see that he’s good at something and that this skill can help him in the areas he struggles with, such as reading. (Various chapters)

3. The family originally believes that Susan James died saving Derek from drowning when he was 2 years old. They later learn that Susan actually drowned because she decided to go for a swim, and Derek was nowhere near the water at that time. Derek did wander in later, but his dog, Bodi, saved him. Learning the truth absolves Derek of his guilt over Susan. It makes his mother angry at first, but she soon heals alongside her son. (Various chapters)

4. Derek loves Bodi and spends as much time as possible with him. He compares his relationship with Bodi to Calvin and Hobbes. This shows that Derek has an empathetic and more sensitive side; it also shows that Derek is capable of being mature and responsible as he cares for Bodi. (Various chapters)

5. Pedro the monkey symbolizes the importance of persistence in learning a new and difficult task. Derek sees a video of Pedro learning the skills needed to become a helper monkey and realizes that Pedro spent a long time mastering each one. (Chapter 31)

6. Derek wants to visit South Beach after learning the truth about Susan. He feels like after discovering all the pieces of Susan’s life story, visiting the place where she died is the final step. When Derek and his parents go to South Beach, they think about Susan, and Derek feels the riptide when he steps in the water. Derek says goodbye to Susan, and then Derek’s mom receives a phone call and learns that the hedgehog died. Derek comforts Carly as she cries on the phone. (Chapter 28)

7. Derek originally sees Carly as a teacher’s pet, too smart, and not any fun. When he starts spending time with her at Learning Camp and at her house, he realizes they have a lot in common. They both enjoy adventure and dramatic play, and Derek empathizes with Carly after the hedgehog dies. (Various chapters)

8. Derek originally sees learning as boring, hard work, and not worth the effort. Constantly pressured by his parents and teacher, he just wants to have fun. Derek eventually comes to view learning as a process that requires persistence, effort, and patience. He also realizes he can use unique approaches like visualization to learn in ways that work for him. (Various chapters)