Why does Jesse want to be the fastest kid in the fifth grade?

What is May Belle's attitude toward her brother?

Why do the boys stop racing?

In what ways are Jesse's parents different from Leslie's?

Why does Leslie call her parents Bill and Judy rather than mom and dad?

Why is Janice Avery a bully?

If Jesse hadn't gone to Washington, how might the story have been different?

Is Jesse responsible for Leslie's death? Why or why not?