South Ridge Middle School

South Ridge Middle School could be any suburban middle school. That is why its name is so generic. It is where all of the action of the book takes place, besides Max’s flashbacks. He just started at this school after having been home schooled by his grandmother. He is having trouble fitting in, and as he learns quickly, it is very important to fit in.

Max’s Locker

Max spends at least a quarter of the book in his locker. Thug puts him inside twice in one day. It is small, cramped, and smells bad. However, he has a lot within reach: his notebook, pencils, flashlight, and even his grandmother’s cookies. So, he is able to survive.

Girls’ locker room

Max did not want to go into the girls’ locker room. It was a forbidden place for boys to be. Yet, he had...