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1. From the first chapter, what can you deduce about John's character and personality?

From the information in the first chapter, it seems that John is somewhat of a troublemaker and prankster. He likes to swear and make up nicknames for adults he knows, so there appears to be some rebelliousness in him. When asked by his friend Lorraine to refrain from writing down swear words, though, he listens, so he seems to be a reasonably good friend. John likes to have fun, feels discontent towards his teachers and parents, and sometimes acts like he just doesn't care.

2. Why do John and Lorraine call Miss Reillen, the librarian, "the Cricket"?

Miss Reillen is given the nickname "the Cricket" because her nylon stockings rubbing together make a distinct, cricket-like sound.

3. Can the reader figure out the fate of Mr. Pignati from the first chapter?

Even though Mr. Pignati's fate is not spelled out directly in the first chapter, the reader can figure out that something happens to him because Lorraine and John are writing his "memorial epic".

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