Have fun with the language in your book. During suspenseful sections, slow down, and let the suspense build. During a particularly meaningful moment, pause and let the impact settle. During emotion-packed scenes, drop your voice to a whisper. When you are reading aloud, you are performing the story. Authors don't want their stories performed in monotone!

In Chapter 5, something happens on their daily walk. Gavin must remedy the situation. Is his plan a good one?

• rehearses (pg 57) - practices
• obligation (pg 57) - a duty, job, or commitment
• fiend (pg 57) - a wicked or cruel person
• "beat to the punch" (pg 58) - to do or say something before someone else is able to do it
• coax (pg 59) - gently and persistently persuade
• anticipation (pg 60) - expectation or hope
• snug (pg 61) - tight
• cordons (pg 62) - prevents access to; blocks off
• maneuver (pg 65) - a movement requiring skill and care
• insignia (pg 66) - important symbol
• saunters (pg 68) - walks in a slow relaxed way without hurry
• kibble (pg 70) - animal food
• simmering (pg 70) - staying just below the boiling point while being heated

1. What is Carlotta's favorite thing in all the world?
2. Where does Gavin take Carlotta on her walk?
3. Why do Gavin and Richard have to share a skateboard?
4. What is the name of the dog that took Carlotta's Chew-Chew?
5. What has Gavin been saving all year to buy?

1. Do you think Gavin should have tied Carlotta to the bike rack while he rode his skateboard with Richard? Why or why not?
   
2. Why do you think Yankee's owner lies and says Carlotta's chew toy belongs to his dog?

Gavin and Richard spend time at the skate park after school. As a family, watch a video about skateboarding and/or skateboarding tricks. Is this interesting to you? Is there a skatepark or community park near where you live? What other activities can be done at the park?

If you do not have a skate park or public park near your or in your community, do you think there needs to be one? If so, compose a persuasive letter to your city council for one to be built.

Use the BINGO card as another family activity!