The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-7

Reading Check

1. What is the SWOOF?

2. Who did Mason find dead in the orchard?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Mason feel comfortable in the SWOOF? What does it reveal about his comfort in other areas of the school?

2. Why does Mason memorize the compliment of thinking outside the box?

Paired Resource

The Importance of Friendship

• This article explains why friendships are important for health.
• Information in this resource connects to the themes of Writing Your Own Story, Overcoming Grief, and Overcoming Trauma.
• In what ways are friends important for well-being? Why is it important for Mason to develop friendships? How might he benefit from his new friendship with Calvin?

Chapters 8-15

Reading Check

1. What does Lt. Baird give to Mason the day Benny dies?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Describe Mason’s home life. What evidence from the novel supports your description?

2. What is unique about the way Mason describes emotions?

Paired Resource

“The Science Behind Our Need to Belong”

• This article explores the scientific research that has been conducted to understand the need for individuals to feel as though they belong.
• Information in this resource connects to the themes of Overcoming Grief and Overcoming Trauma.
• How does belonging benefit students? Where is Mason able to feel as though he belongs? How does feeling like he does not belong somewhere affect him?

Chapters 16-23

Reading Check

1. Who are Mason’s two acrostic poems about?

2. What has been missing since Benny’s investigation began?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Mason feel about luck? What factors likely contribute to this feeling?

2. What surprises Mason about Calvin in the new part of his life? What does it reveal about Mason’s self-perception?

Paired Resource

“Self Esteem”

• This article explains the differences between low and high self-esteem and how it influences behaviors.
• Information in this resource connects to the themes of Writing Your Own Story, Overcoming Grief, and Overcoming Trauma.
• What are signs of low self-esteem? How does Mason exhibit these signs? Why does Mason struggle to realize his own value?

Chapters 24-31

Reading Check

1. What does Mason give as a gift to Ms. Blinny?

2. What is Mason determined not to tell Lt. Baird about?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Mason mean when he makes distinctions between a better team and a team that wants it more? What scene in the novel prompts this thought for him?

2. What skills are revealed as Mason begins to work on the root cellar? Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Chapters 32-39

Reading Check

1. What comes from Benny’s mouth after Mason falls from the tree house?

2. What do Mason and Calvin intend to make in Calvin’s fireplace?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Calvin claim about the Universe, and why is Mason skeptical?

2. What is the “sad-to-see-you” look, and why is it given to Mason?

Paired Resource

The Lascaux Cave Paintings

• This 5-minute video explores the history and paintings of the Lascaux cave.
• Shared themes include Writing Your Own Story.
• What is unique about the Lascaux cave? Why was the cave closed to the public? Why might the cave serve as inspiration for Mason and Calvin?

Chapters 40-47

Reading Check

1. What does Calvin call the day he and Mason don’t have to worry about the lacrosse kids?

2. Which of the bullies is sympathetic toward Mason and Calvin?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Calvin describe Matt’s behavior as disturbing? How is this behavior more disturbing than it has been in the past?

2. How does Calvin support Mason as he grieves? Why is it different from the way Lt. Baird treats him?

3. What does Mason notice about Shayleen’s spending habits? How does he feel about it, and what evidence supports his feelings?

Chapters 48-55

Reading Check

1. Where is Calvin when Mason finds him?

2. What image is still visible on the walls of the root cellar?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Lt. Baird suspicious of Mason when Calvin goes missing?

2. What is written on the rock Ms. Blinny gives Mason? In what way does it represent him?

Chapters 56-64

Reading Check

1. What does Ms. Blinny call Mason’s ability to see colors?

2. Who does Mason care for over Columbus Day weekend?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Lt. Baird believe happened to Benny? What behavior and physical evidence does he have to support his conclusion?

2. How do the Chumsky family members react when they see Mason for the first time after the accident? Why does Mason describe it as the Universe giving him something he needs?

Paired Resource

“Exploring Synesthesia”

• This 4-minute TedEd video explores the neurological phenomenon of synesthesia.
• The information in the video might prompt a connected discussion on the theme Writing Your Own Story.
• What is synesthesia? In what ways might synesthesia be beneficial? How does Mason experience it?

Chapters 65-74

Reading Check

1. Who has Grandma decided to care for after school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Mason’s discovery in the Drinker’s garage shed new light on the Benny investigation?

2. Lt. Baird tells Uncle Drum, “Good families will help their children accept responsibility.” Does Lt. Baird believe the lacrosse players’ families are good families? What does he think about Mason’s family?

3. What changes are made in Mason’s household after Mason is exonerated?

Recommended Next Reads

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

• This novel is about a girl who struggles to understand the death of a friend by developing a theory involving jellyfish.
• Shared themes include Writing Your Own Story and Overcoming Grief.
• Shared topics include bullying, friendship, and acceptance.
• The Thing About Jellyfish on SuperSummary

Starfish by Lisa Fipps

• This novel-in-verse is about a young girl who is bullied for her weight by family and peers.
• Shared themes include Writing Your Own Story and Overcoming Trauma.
• Shared topics include self-perception, bullying, and friendship.
• Starfish on SuperSummary