When I Was the Greatest

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Answer Key

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

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1. “Would you rather?” (Chapter 1)

2. Ali’s sister, Jazz (Chapter 1)

3. Noodles steals the yarn; Ali leaves money on the counter for it. (Chapter 2)

Short Answer

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1. He is embarrassed about how his house looks. It has a reputation for being the slum house in the neighborhood. (Chapter 1)

2. Ali’s mother taught Needles to knit after he had a significant meltdown one day. (Chapter 1)

3. He was robbing a bodega (corner store), and the cashier pulled a gun. Ali’s father shot back and wounded the worker; he was arrested and imprisoned for three years. (Chapter 3)

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Kenny/Kendall, who is also known as Black (Chapter 5)

2. Two text messages: one saying Ali arrived at the party and one saying he got home safe (Chapter 6)

Short Answer

1. Tasha (Momo’s sister) said they could come if they agreed to bring Needles. (Chapter 4)

2. He is trying to seem tough and get out of paying. He pretends that his haircut is crooked. (