Slacker

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-6

Reading Check

1. What is the name of the gaming competition Cam wants to enter?

2. Who is Elvis?

3. What does Mr. Fanshaw want to sell?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Pavel compare Cam to Lebron James and Leonardo da Vinci?

2. Why are Daphne and Mr. Fanshaw worried about the new mall that has opened?

Paired Resource

“Are Video Games Good for You and Your Brain?”

• This article from the Cleveland Clinic explores both the positive and negative effects of playing video games.
• What are some signs of gaming addiction? How does Cam exemplify these signs? Does Cam also exhibit any signs of gaining positive effects from gaming?

Chapters 7-11

Reading Check

1. What sport does String McBean play?

2. What happens to people who try to join the P.A.G. through the web page?

3. What is the P.A.G.’s first project?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Jordan Toleffsen join the P.A.G.?

2. What is Mr. Fanshaw’s opinion of Cameron?

Paired Resource

“Switching P.O.V.”

• This article defines switching viewpoints in media and gives an example of how it can be useful in storytelling.
• How does switching viewpoints tell a more complete story? In Slacker, how do the changing perspectives reveal things that a single perspective could not? How do the changing perspectives help the reader understand more about the origins of the P.A.G.?

Chapters 12-16

Reading Check

1. Why does Cam sneak into the apartment building during the P.A.G.’s first project?

2. Who leaves Cam a letter in his locker?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What causes the explosion of P.A.G. membership?

2. Who is Jennifer Del Rio and what does she want from Cam?

3. Why is Mr. Fanshaw confused about Cam’s behavior?

Paired Resource

“Middle Schoolers Serve Pottsville Community”

• This local news story covers a middle school club dedicated to community service.
• This resource relates to the theme of Contributing to Something Greater.
• How is the club in the news story similar to the P.A.G.? Do you believe having a news story run about the club in the article helped boost membership for the club the same way it helped the P.A.G.?

Chapters 17-22

Reading Check

1. What is the P.A.G.’s second project?

2. Who throws the bushes onto Cam’s lawn?

3. Why is Daphne still upset after the P.A.G. builds a beaver lodge?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Cam believe Pavel posted the date and time of the second P.A.G. meeting?

2. How does the conflict between the Friends of Fuzzy and the P.A.G. escalate?

Paired Resource

“Beaver Lodge Construction Squad”

• This 10-minute BBC Earth video shows the intricacies that go into beaver habitats and shows how they work together to maintain their lodges.
• This resource relates to the theme The Importance of Community.
• Why is it important that beavers stick with other beavers and work together to maintain their lodges? Would Elvis have been able to build his own lodge by himself? Do you think the number of P.A.G. members helping made a difference when they constructed Elvis’s lodge?

Chapters 23-27

Reading Check

1. Who becomes student body president?

2. Why does Dr. LaPierre call Cam into his office?

3. Who is Evil McKillPeople?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the difference between how Cam feels and how everyone else feels about the P.A.G. shutting down?

2. What is the significance of Xavier’s bowl?

Paired Resource

“Why It Is Important for Kids to Volunteer”

• This 8-minute Tedx Talk features a 13-year-old girl explaining the benefits of kids performing community service.
• This resource relates to the theme The Importance of Community.
• How does serving the community create a better appreciation for one’s community? Which characters have changed their perspective on volunteer work because of the P.A.G.?

Chapters 28-33

Reading Check

1. Where does the P.A.G. meet to discuss defending the ramp?

2. What do the P.A.G. and Friends of Fuzzy find when they get to the freeway ramp?

3. Who does Cam choose as his Rule the World partner?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the significance of Jennifer taking Elvis to the vet? What does this show about her character?

2. What did the adults in Sycamore learn from the Positive Action Group?

Recommended Next Reads 

Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles

• In this middle-grade novel, seventh-grader Wes Henderson embarks to save his block from a real-estate developer.
• Shares the theme The Importance of Community
• Shared topics include friendship and protesting.

Level 13 (A Slacker Novel) by Gordon Korman

• This novel continues the adventures of Cameron Boxer as he attempts to manage his social life and the P.A.G. while attempting to become a video game streamer.
• Shared topics include balancing life with hobbies, friendship, and community service.