106 pages • 3 hours read
Shelley PearsallThe Seventh Most Important Thing
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Summary
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Quiz
Tools
BetaQuiz
Reading Check, Multiple Choice & Short Answer Quizzes
Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.
Chapters 1-4
Reading Check
1. What is James Hampton known as?
2. What does James Hampton say getting hit by the brick was?
3. What’s the main thing that sets Arthur apart from the other juvie kids?
4. What was James Hampton wearing that prompted Arthur to throw the brick?
Multiple Choice
1. What does James Hampton push around the neighborhood that earns him his nickname?
A) an old wheelbarrow
B) a rusted shopping cart
C) a baby carriage
D) a beat-up bicycle
2. Where else did Arthur wear the suit he wears to his hearing?
A) his father’s funeral
B) a job interview
C) his cousin’s wedding
D) another court hearing
3. After learning James Hampton’s real name, Arthur prefers to think of him by his nickname for what reason?
A) The nickname is easier to remember.
B) The nickname better represents him.
C) His real name feels too formal.
D) James Hampton prefers the nickname.
4. What event precipitated Arthur throwing the brick at James Hampton?
A) Arthur had a bad day at school.
B) Arthur’s mom threw out his dad’s stuff.
C) James Hampton insulted Arthur’s father.
D) Someone dared Arthur to throw the brick.
Short-Answer Response
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does Arthur want to punish James Hampton, and who else does Arthur want to punish?
2. What does the motorcycle cap represent for Arthur?
3. Why does Arthur tell the judge he threw the brick because of James Hampton’s hat?
4. Why is Arthur so angry about James Hampton taking the motorcycle cap?
Chapters 5-8
Reading Check
1. What is the judge’s response when Arthur asks what kind of work James Hampton does?
2. How old is Arthur’s sister?
3. What does Arthur find on the front steps the next morning?
4. What is the name of Arthur’s probation officer?
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following is not one of the new house rules Arthur’s mother lays out?
A) Money is tight.
B) Arthur will come straight home after school.
C) Arthur will talk about things that are bothering him.
D) Arthur can’t hang out with his friends while he’s on probation.
2. Why does Barbara think Arthur is going to die?
A) James Hampton is scary.
B) He is bad like their father.
C) He has to work outside in the winter.
D) The judge wants Arthur dead.
3. How does Arthur feel about heaven?
A) He isn’t sure about it.
B) He doesn’t believe in it.
C) He believes it exists and knows his father is there.
D) He has no opinions about heaven.
4. Why did James Hampton take the motorcycle cap?
A) to keep his head warm
B) to give to a friend
C) for the wings on it
D) he didn’t mean to
5. What doesn’t Arthur’s probation officer accept?
A) failure
B) excuses
C) tardiness
D) bribes
Short-Answer Response
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why doesn’t the judge believe Arthur’s reason for throwing the brick?
2. Why does Arthur’s mother create new house rules?
3. How do Barbara’s actions help Arthur feel better?
4. How does the probation officer’s attitude toward Arthur differ from the judge’s attitude?
Chapters 9-12
Reading Check
1. Who does Arthur meet at the tattoo shop?
2. What’s at the address where Arthur’s supposed to meet James Hampton?
3. What does James Hampton’s note ask Arthur to collect?
4. What does Arthur bring back instead of a lightbulb?
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following is not one of the seven most important things?
A) glass bottles
B) foil
C) cardboard
D) paper
2. What reason does Arthur give the tattoo shop owner for needing the things on James Hampton’s list?
A) a community art project
B) school project
C) charity
D) recycling drive
3. What does Arthur mean to prove by not walking away from his probation assignment?
A) The things on James Hampton’s list can’t be found.
B) Anyone can find the things on James Hampton’s list.
C) He’s not a failure.
D) The assignment is life-changing.
4. How does James Hampton feel about the items Arthur thinks are close enough to the ones on the list?
A) He’s pleased with them.
B) They aren’t good enough.
C) They are trash.
D) Arthur does not understand the list.
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. What thoughts stop Arthur from giving up on his probation assignment?
2. Why doesn’t Arthur give the real reason for needing the items on James Hampton’s list?
3. Why does Arthur collect items that are only close to the ones on James Hampton’s list?
4. After seeing the cart with the list, what does Arthur think his probation assignment really is?
Chapters 13-17
Reading Check
1. What is Arthur’s vice principal’s nickname?
2. In what class does Arthur fail a quiz?
3. What does the tattoo shop owner say will die if a person doesn’t see the good in things?
4. What item did Arthur find in the trash when he was about to give up?
Multiple Choice
1. Why is Arthur’s locker moved out of the seventh-grade hallway?
A) The locker is away from the other students.
B) It’s a practical joke.
C) The locker is broken.
D) The locker is closer to his new classes.
2. Finish the quotation that’s been added to James Hampton’s list: “Where there is no vision, the people____.” (Chapter 15)
A) fail
B) don’t see
C) hear
D) perish
3. What does the tattoo shop owner wish Arthur luck with?
A) looking for things
B) pushing the cart
C) talking to James Hampton
D) getting his probation shortened
4. What item does Arthur find at the top of a trash can as if it were waiting for him?
A) a broken mirror
B) foil dinner trays
C) cardboard boxes
D) coffee cans
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does Arthur think he’ll never get his locker moved back to the seventh-grade hallway?
2. Why did James Hampton leave the quotation on the list for Arthur?
3. Why does Arthur suddenly have an easier time finding the items on the list?
The First Important Thing-Chapter 19
Reading Check
1. What does Arthur do with his mother when he gets home?
2. What does Arthur’s probation officer give him for Christmas?
3. What does Arthur give his mom for Christmas?
4. What does James Hampton call his cart?
Multiple Choice
1. Why does his probation officer’s gift surprise Arthur?
A) It isn’t what he expected to get.
B) He didn’t get her a gift.
C) She doesn’t seem the type to give gifts.
D) The gift is expensive.
2. Arthur’s probation officer say Christmas is what kind of season?
A) festive
B) difficult
C) fun
D) boring
3. What does Arthur’s mother give Arthur for Christmas?
A) a new coat
B) money
C) books
D) his dad’s coin collection
4. What would Arthur have rather gotten for Christmas?
A) his dad’s motorcycle cap
B) excused from probation
C) a bicycle
D) new boots
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. How does decorating the tree make Arthur feel?
2. What has Arthur’s probation officer experienced with her clients during Christmas?
3. Why doesn’t Christmas feel real to Arthur?
4. What does Arthur learn about James Hampton’s list?
Chapters 21-24
Reading Check
1. What does Arthur forget in his locker?
2. What are the jocks throwing at the trash can?
3. What is Squeak’s real name?
4. What does Arthur collect from Squeak’s lunchbox to give James Hampton?
Multiple Choice
1. How did Squeak get his nickname?
A) He has a squeaky voice.
B) His small size.
C) He has a pet mouse.
D) He wears squeaky shoes.
2. What would Arthur’s probation officer say is messing up?
A) Arthur knocking over the trash can
B) Arthur getting angry
C) Arthur getting sent to the office
D) Arthur helping Squeak
3. What does the vice principal tell Arthur to do?
A) go to detention
B) apologize to the bullies
C) go home
D) stay away from Squeak
4. What does Squeak say James Hampton might use the things on the list for?
A) building something
B) donations
C) a collection
D) recycling
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does the bullying make Arthur so angry?
2. Why does the vice principal assume Arthur was tormenting Squeak?
3. Why does Squeak say that Arthur being dangerous is good?
4. Why does Arthur keep eating with Squeak after the vice principal told him not to?
Chapters 25-29
Reading Check
1. What does the new list ask Arthur to find?
2. What does every object on James Hampton’s sculpture have?
3. Who does James Hampton say Arthur is when Arthur gives his name?
4. What does James Hampton say he and Arthur are building?
Multiple Choice
1. On which Saturday does Arthur’s list change?
A) sixth
B) seventh
C) eighth
D) ninth
2. Why does Arthur go inside the garage?
A) He’s cold.
B) He has a question.
C) The cart is missing.
D) He hears something inside.
3. What does the sculpture’s wings remind Arthur about?
A) James Hampton’s apology note
B) Arthur’s conversation with Barbara
C) the bullies at school
D) his probation hearing
4. Why has Arthur always pictured heaven as a place with things to fix?
A) He likes fixing things.
B) Heaven is a work-in-progress.
C) Even heaven can’t be perfect.
D) His dad wouldn’t be bored there.
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why is Arthur sure the chair is the one James Hampton would want?
2. How has Arthur’s attitude toward James Hampton and the list changed?
3. Why does James Hampton say Arthur saved him?
4. What is Arthur afraid he won’t learn before James Hampton dies?
Chapters 30-32
Reading Check
1. Why have lots of people created representations of hell?
2. Who does Arthur call for a ride home?
3. What kind of cancer does James Hampton have?
4. What does Arthur have to collect from the trash in his dream?
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the important things does James Hampton’s skin resemble in the hospital?
A) cardboard
B) glass
C) foil
D) a coffee can
2. What does James Hampton call the items on his list of things to collect?
A) the building blocks of heaven
B) special materials
C) God’s supplies
D) heavenly goods
3. Why does Arthur need to collect trash in his dream?
A) to build a sculpture
B) to make money
C) to save his dad’s life
D) to save James Hampton’s life
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why is James Hampton creating heaven?
2. Why is Arthur’s probation officer proud of him?
3. Why can’t Arthur keep working for James Hampton?
4. How is Arthur’s dream about his dad similar to his work with James Hampton?
Chapters 33-36
Reading Check
1. What do the kids in the cafeteria throw at Arthur and Squeak?
2. What does Squeak threaten Arthur with if Arthur doesn’t let him go with him to the garage?
3. What is James Hampton doing when Arthur and Squeak arrive at the garage?
4. Which war did James Hampton fight in?
Multiple choice
1. What does Squeak’s sign say? (Chapter 33)
A) Stop it.
B) I hate you.
C) I’m going to report you.
D) Go ahead. Throw things at me.
2. What did James Hampton’s vision tell him to build heaven out of?
A) trash
B) old things
C) shiny things
D) broken things
3. What did James Hampton build from debris from the war?
A) a box
B) an angel
C) the first two thrones
A) a crown
4. Why is James Hampton building the third throne of heaven?
A) The first two were already built.
B) Three is his lucky number.
C) His vision showed him a number three.
D) They represent the holy trinity.
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why doesn’t Arthur take Squeak’s foil?
2. Why does Squeak stand on the table?
3. Why does Squeak say Arthur can’t give up on James Hampton?
4. How did the war affect James Hampton?
The Third Important Thing-Chapter 38
Reading Check
1. What do Arthur and Squeak put foil on?
2. What is the most important thing to Arthur’s probation officer?
3. What is the name of Arthur’s mom’s new boyfriend?
4. What is the fourth important thing?
Multiple Choice
1. How does Squeak react to breaking mirrors?
A) He wants to smash more.
B) He thinks the breaking glass sounds musical.
C) He is nervous about bad luck.
D) He worries someone will hear them.
2. What does Arthur hope breaking mirrors will do?
A) bring him good luck
B) make him feel better
C) destroy the sculpture
D) make the sculpture better
3. Why does Arthur feel triumphant after his phone call with his probation officer?
A) He impressed her.
B) She doesn’t know everything.
C) He taught her something.
D) She’s proud of him.
4. What profession does Arthur’s mom’s boyfriend have?
A) architect
B) accountant
C) engineer
D) carpenter
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. How does Arthur’s probation officer know Arthur didn’t give up on James Hampton?
2. Why does Arthur feel betrayed by his mom having a boyfriend?
3. How does Arthur feel about his mom’s boyfriend’s occupation?
The Fourth Important Thing-Chapter 40
Reading Check
1. What did Arthur’s mom’s boyfriend make for her?
2. What does James Hampton ask Arthur to make more of?
3. What did Arthur make with his dad for Cub Scouts?
4. What does Arthur’s mom’s boyfriend fix for Arthur from the trash?
Multiple Choice
1. Why does Arthur initially think his mom went out with someone new?
A) She was coerced into dating the new man.
B) She needs a man around the house.
C) She was lonely.
D) She was worried about her kids not having a father figure.
2. Which of the following is not something Arthur’s mom’s boyfriend has built?
A) a dog house
B) bookshelves
C) a shed
D) a TV stand
3. What does working with James Hampton remind Arthur of?
A) playing with his friends
B) working with his dad
C) art class at school
D) trash collecting
4. What does James Hampton say a saint’s work is?
A) never finished
B) holy
C) difficult
D) rewarding
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why is her new boyfriend the fourth most important thing to Arthur’s mom?
2. What do James Hampton and Arthur’s dad have in common?
3. Why does Arthur appreciate James Hampton’s questions about his dad?
4. Why does Arthur decide his mom’s boyfriend is useful?
The Fifth Important Thing-Chapter 44
Reading Check
1. What does James Hampton send Arthur to the store to get?
2. What does Arthur promise to do if anything happens to James Hampton?
3. What’s the name of the garage’s owner?
4. How much back rent is due on the garage?
Multiple Choice
1. What emotion did James Hampton’s mom say would run out of bottles placed up-side down on tree branches?
A) fear
B) guilt
C) anger
D) jealousy
2. James Hampton’s self-proclaimed title is “Director of_____ for the State of Eternity.”
A) Artistic Vision
B) Architecture
C) Faith and Belief
D) Special Projects
3. How much does the garage’s owner charge Arthur to temporarily keep the garage?
A) $50
B) $25
C) $100
D) $10
4. How long does Arthur have until he no longer owns the garage?
A) one month
B) one week
C) three weeks
D) three months
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does putting the bottle on the bush feel like it helps Arthur?
2. Why doesn’t Arthur want to talk about James Hampton’s death?
3. Why is Arthur mad at the garage’s owner for moving the sculpture?
4. Why is nothing clear to Arthur anymore?
Chapters 45-47
Reading Check
1. How much does Arthur’s mom give him for his birthday?
2. Who gives Arthur $30 toward renting the garage?
3. What is the coffee can in the principal’s office being used to collect donations for?
4. Where does Squeak’s dad work?
Multiple Choice
1. Why does Arthur get sent to the principal’s office?
A) for mouthing off to a teacher
B) for beating someone up
C) for destroying school property
D) for yelling at another student
2. Which of the following is not a message Squeak and Arthur put on a coffee can? (Chapter 46)
A) Save a Far-Out Work of Art
B) Save a Brilliant Work of Art
C) Save a Spectacular Work of Art
D) Save a Magnificent Work of Art
3. What does Arthur find in the can that says “save a heavenly piece of art?” (Chapter 47)
A) $100
B) a note from a politician
C) a reporter’s business card
D) a church flyer
4. How does Arthur react when Squeak tells him who his dad is?
A) He cries.
B) He laughs.
C) He gets angry.
D) He feels numb.
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why does Arthur’s mom cry at Arthur’s words?
2. Why does the secretary take the can away from Arthur?
3. Why doesn’t Arthur like reporters?
4. How is Squeak’s dad related to Arthur’s probation and James Hampton?
5. Why does Squeak make up an identity for Arthur with his parents?
Chapters 48-51
Reading Check
1. Who do Arthur and Squeak meet at the garage?
2. Where do the people from the museum look like they came from?
3. What book says seven is the number of completeness?
4. For which birthday does Arthur go to a baseball game?
Multiple Choice
1. Who says no church will want a sculpture of heaven made from trash?
A) the reporter
B) the photographer
C) a minister
D) a museum curator
2. Who calls Arthur to tell him a museum is interested in the sculpture?
A) his mom
B) his probation officer
C) his vice principal
D) Squeak
3. What does Arthur realize the seven important things truly are?
A) heavenly materials
B) things to remember James by
C) symbols of labor
D) things to fix his life
4. What does Arthur save from his birthday?
A) the baseball game ticket
B) the present from Squeak
C) a ball he caught
D) a piece of the sculpture
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why is Arthur nervous about having his name in the article?
2. Why does Arthur get mad at the people from the museum?
3. What do the museum people say the sculpture’s design represents?
4. Why is Arthur’s birthday so special?
Chapter 52-Seven Years Later
Reading Check
1. Which museum does the art go to?
2. Why does the judge let Arthur out of his probation?
3. What does Arthur take from the garage?
4. What classes is Arthur taking at the college?
Multiple Choice
1. What is the last day Arthur goes to the garage great for?
A) a walk
B) collecting the important things
C) remembering James Hampton
D) working on something of his dad’s
2. What is written on the cardboard Arthur finds at the garage?
A) goodbye
B) thank you
C) keep building
D) fear not
3. What kind of cookies does Arthur’s former probation officer give him at the exhibit reception?
A) oatmeal
B) sugar
C) chocolate chip
D) peanut butter
4. What kind of birds does Arthur see after the ceremony?
A) pigeons
B) doves
C) crows
D) swans
Short Answer
Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence or sentences. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.
1. Why isn’t Arthur excited about the museum taking the sculpture?
2. How does Arthur feel about the empty garage?
3. How does Arthur feel about his past after seven years have gone by?
4. How has the judge who presided over Arthur’s hearing changed?
Quizzes – Answer Key
Chapters 1-4
Reading Check
1. the junk man (Chapter 1)
2. an act of God (Chapter 1)
3. he’s younger/his age (Chapter 2)
4. Arthur’s dad’s motorcycle cap (Chapter 3)
Multiple Choice
1. B (Chapter 1)
2. A (Chapter 2)
3. C (Chapter 3)
4. B (Chapter 4)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur wants to punish James Hampton, death itself, and the world for taking his father away. To Arthur, James Hampton disrespected his father’s memory by picking his things out of the trash. (Chapter 4)
2. The motorcycle cap represents Arthur’s memories of his father. The cap is something his father treasured, and it feels like the last thing Arthur has to remember his dad. (Chapter 4)
3. The judge asked Arthur if he threw the brick because James Hampton is a Black man. Since race has nothing to do with Arthur throwing the brick, Arthur reveals he was upset about the motorcycle cap, even though he didn’t want to talk about it. (Chapters 3-4)
4. Arthur is angry because he wanted to keep the cap to remember his dad. He’s also angry at his mom for throwing the cap away, allowing James Hampton to pick it from the trash. (Chapter 4)
Chapters 5-8
Reading Check
1. Arthur will find out (Chapter 5)
2. 7 (Chapter 7)
3. his dad’s motorcycle cap (Chapter 7)
4. Officer Billie (Chapter 8)
Multiple Choice
1. D (Chapter 6)
2. B (Chapter 7)
3. A (Chapter 7)
4. C (Chapter 7)
5. A (Chapter 8)
Short-Answer Response
1. The judge believes Arthur is just like his father. Since his father was a troublemaker, the judge decides Arthur is too and believes there can be no other reason for Arthur’s behavior. (Chapter 5)
2. Like the judge, Arthur’s mom fears Arthur is becoming too much like his father. She assigns the rules to give Arthur more structure and keep him busy so he doesn’t have time to cause trouble. (Chapter 6)
3. Barbara acts normally around Arthur, which helps Arthur feel like himself and less like a criminal. Everyone else treats him differently now, and he appreciates his sister’s treatment of him. (Chapter 7)
4. While the judge is convinced Arthur is a troublemaker like his dad, Arthur’s probation officer treats him like she treats all the kids she oversees. She doesn’t care about Arthur’s past, only that he can do better. (Chapter 8)
Chapters 9-12
Reading Check
1. Groovy Jim (Chapter 9)
2. a garage (Chapter 9)
3. the seven most important things (Chapter 10)
4. a lamp (Chapter 12)
Multiple Choice
1. D (Chapter 10)
2. B (Chapter 11)
3. C (Chapter 11)
4. B (Chapter 12)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur doesn’t want to be seen as a troublemaker or a failure. He doesn’t want to prove his mom and the judge right or let down his probation officer. (Chapter 11)
2. Arthur tells the tattoo shop owner he needs the items for a school project because he doesn’t want to admit he threw the brick and is on probation. He feels ashamed of his actions and doesn’t want to be judged by anyone else. (Chapter 11)
3. Arthur feels like the list of things is a joke and doesn’t want to collect them. He finds items that are close enough because they are easier to find and figures James Hampton won’t care. (Chapter 12)
4. Arthur thinks he’s really been assigned to be the junk man—not just work for the junk man. He is annoyed about having to push the cart around town and collect trash. (Chapter 10)
Chapters 13-17
Reading Check
1. Vice (Chapter 14)
2. earth science (Chapter 14)
3. their soul (Chapter 16)
4. light bulbs (Chapter 17)
Multiple Choice
1. A (Chapter 14)
2. D (Chapter 15)
3. A (Chapter 16)
4. B (Chapter 17)
Short-Answer Response
1. Like his mom and the judge, Arthur’s vice principal is convinced Arthur is a troublemaker like his father. While the vice principal says Arthur could earn his way back to the seventh-grade hallway, Arthur doubts he will because the school administration won’t change their opinion about him. (Chapter 14)
2. James Hampton left the quotation to show Arthur he was displeased with Arthur’s lack of effort. James Hampton is also trying to impart the importance of seeing past the items to the greater purpose of their use. (Chapter 15)
3. Once Arthur accepts his probation assignment, he is no longer resistant to the work and finds the items easier. He is partly inspired by James Hampton’s quotation. (Chapter 17)
The First Important Thing-Chapter 19
Reading Check
1. put up the Christmas tree (The First Important Thing)
2. caramel corn (Chapter 18)
3. a flower pot (Chapter 19)
4. chariot (Chapter 20)
Multiple Choice
1. C (Chapter 18)
2. B (Chapter 18)
3. D (Chapter 19)
4. A (Chapter 19)
Short-Answer Response
1. Decorating the tree makes Arthur feel sad at first and then closer to his mom. He’s sad because his dad isn’t there, and the activity doesn’t feel right. As he and his mom continue to decorate and light the lights, Arthur feels like they are bonding and things are almost how they were before his dad died. (The First Important Thing)
2. Arthur’s probation officer has found that Christmas is a difficult season because a lot of her kids slip back into old behaviors during the holidays. It’s a time where people remember, which makes it easy to reverse progress. (Chapter 18)
3. Christmas doesn’t feel real because Arthur’s dad isn’t there to spend it with him. His life has changed and doesn’t feel like it used to. (Chapter 19)
4. Arthur learns that things have different meanings to different people, which includes the items on James Hampton’s list. Arthur would rather have his dad’s motorcycle cap than his coin collection, so maybe James Hampton would rather have the seven important things than anything else. (Chapter 19)
Chapters 21-24
Reading Check
1. a book (Chapter 21)
2. a basketball (Chapter 21)
3. Reginald (Chapter 22)
4. foil (The Second Important Thing)
Multiple Choice
1. B (Chapter 22)
2. C (Chapter 22)
3. D (Chapter 23)
4. A (Chapter 24)
Short-Answer Response
1. The bullying makes Arthur angry because of how the judge and vice principal have treated him since he threw the brick. Arthur doesn’t like feeling pushed around and hates seeing someone else being pushed around. (Chapter 22)
2. The vice principal still judges Arthur for throwing the brick and compares him to his father. He’s sure Arthur is to blame for the bullying because Arthur is a troublemaker like his dad. (Chapter 23)
3. If Arthur is dangerous, his presence is protection for Squeak. If other kids think Arthur is dangerous, they won’t bother him or Squeak. (The Second Important Thing)
4. Squeak is the first person other than Arthur’s sister to treat him normally. Arthur likes that feeling and keeps eating with Squeak because he doesn’t feel judged. (Chapter 24)
Chapters 25-29
Reading Check
1. throne chair (Chapter 25)
2. a pair of wings (Chapter 27)
3. the one who saved him (Chapter 28)
4. heaven (Chapter 28)
Multiple Choice
1. B (Chapter 25)
2. C (Chapter 26)
3. A (Chapter 27)
4. D (Chapter 29)
Short-Answer Response
1. While the chair isn’t in perfect condition, its wood and red velvet make it look like it had once been a throne. Understanding better now what James Hampton is looking for makes Arthur confident this is the right chair. (Chapter 25)
2. Arthur is beginning to respect James Hampton and the list, even though he still doesn’t understand either. After realizing the importance of items to people at Christmas, Arthur is less quick to judge others. Rather than being annoyed, he’s now eager to please James Hampton. (Chapter 25)
3. Arthur saved James Hampton in two ways. First, he gets him medical help when James Hampton needs it. Second, James Hampton says Arthur saved him by hitting him with the brick because that meant Arthur ended up helping him collect the important things for his sculpture. (Chapters 28, 30)
4. Arthur is afraid he won’t find out why James Hampton is building heaven. He’s also scared he’ll never learn how he saved James Hampton or why the sculpture is so important. (Chapter 29)
Chapters 30-32
Reading Check
1. It’s easy. (Chapter 30)
2. Officer Billie (Chapter 30)
3. stomach (Chapter 31)
4. empty beer bottles (Chapter 32)
Multiple Choice
1. A (Chapter 30)
2. A (Chapter 30)
3. C (Chapter 31)
Short-Answer Response
1. James Hampton is creating heaven because it’s difficult and because it is rarely done. He is also creating it because he had a vision to do so while fighting in World War II. (Chapter 30)
2. Arthur’s probation officer is proud of him because Arthur was where he needed to be when he needed to be there. Even more, she’s proud that he didn’t give up or leave James Hampton to fend for himself. (Chapter 31)
3. Arthur is still upset about his father’s death. He can’t handle watching James Hampton die and doesn’t want to get close to him only to lose him like he lost his dad. (Chapter 31)
4. In Arthur’s dream, he has to collect empty beer bottles from the trash to save his dad’s life. Both the dream and his probation assignment involve collecting trash. Arthur is also unable to save either his dad or James Hampton. (Chapter 32)
Chapters 33-36
Reading Check
1. food (Chapter 33)
2. standing on the table again (Chapter 34)
3. working (Chapter 35)
4. World War II (Chapter 36)
Multiple Choice
1. D (Chapter 33)
2. D (Chapter 36)
3. A (Chapter 36)
4. C (Chapter 36)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur doesn’t take the foil because he doesn’t want to keep helping James Hampton. He’s still afraid of getting close to him and losing him. (Chapter 33)
2. Squeak stands on the table to repay Arthur for saving him from the bullies. Squeak is literally standing up for Arthur after Arthur figuratively stood up for him. (Chapter 33)
3. The sculpture may be the only thing driving James Hampton and keeping him alive. If Arthur gives up on him, it might kill him. (Chapter 34)
4. The war made James Hampton appreciate beauty in all its forms. It also showed him how beauty can come from the ugliest situations. (Chapter 36)
The Third Important Thing-Chapter 38
Reading Check
1. light bulbs (The Third Important Thing)
2. that Arthur doesn’t mess up (Chapter 37)
3. Roger Dent (Chapter 38)
4. wood (Chapter 38)
Multiple Choice
1. C (The Third Important Thing)
2. A (The Third Important Thing)
3. B (Chapter 37)
4. D (Chapter 38)
Short-Answer Response
1. She can tell by how Arthur acts and treats others that he’s not the kind of person to walk away from someone when they need his help. She knows Arthur is a good kid. (Chapter 37)
2. Arthur feels like his mom is throwing away the memory of his dad. He doesn’t like the idea of someone taking his dad’s place. (Chapter 38)
3. Arthur wants to believe it’s a coincidence that his mom’s boyfriend is a carpenter when the next item on James Hampton’s list is wood. Arthur struggles with this, though. Instead, it feels fitting. (Chapter 38)
The Fourth Important Thing-Chapter 40
Reading Check
1. a birdhouse (The Fourth Important Thing)
2. angel wings (Chapter 39)
3. a pinewood racing car (Chapter 39)
4. a skateboard (Chapter 40)
Multiple Choice
1. C (The Fourth Important Thing)
2. D (The Fourth Important Thing)
3. B (Chapter 39)
4. A (Chapter 39)
Short-Answer Response
1. The first three important things for Arthur’s mom are Arthur, Barbara, and Arthur’s dad. With Arthur’s dad gone, Arthur’s mom feels like something is missing until she meets her new boyfriend. He becomes her fourth important thing. (The Fourth Important Thing)
2. Both James Hampton and Arthur’s dad liked to build and fix things. Both saw beauty in broken things. (Chapter 39)
3. Up until now, most people who talk to Arthur about his dad ask about how he died. James Hampton asks about who Arthur’s dad was when he was alive, and Arthur appreciates someone taking an interest in someone who was so important to him. (Chapter 39)
4. Arthur decides his mom’s boyfriend is useful because he can fix things. As a result, Arthur, Squeak, and others get practically new things from the trash. He also makes Arthur’s mom happy. (Chapter 40)
The Fifth Important Thing-Chapter 44
Reading Check
1. bottles of soda (The Fifth Important Thing)
2. finish the sculpture (The Fifth Important Thing)
3. Tony (Chapter 43)
4. $100 (Chapter 43)
Multiple Choice
1. B (The Fifth Important Thing)
2. D (The Fifth Important Thing)
3. A (Chapter 43)
4. C (Chapter 43)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur wants the bottle to help, and so it does. He carries around guilt for many things, and putting the bottle on the tree at James Hampton’s request is like James Hampton giving Arthur permission not to feel guilty anymore. (The Fifth Important Thing)
2. Though Arthur came to terms with James Hampton’s illness, the pain of the loss is too fresh and raw. It reminds him too much of his dad, and he misses James Hampton too much. (Chapter 41)
3. Arthur is mad because James Hampton was particular about the sculpture and having everything in its place. The sculpture also feels like the only remaining piece of James Hampton, and Arthur doesn’t want it to be disturbed. (Chapter 43)
4. Arthur has lost two people he cares about in a short time. Grief clouds his ability to think, and he doesn’t know how to fix any of the problems caused by James Hampton’s death. (Chapter 44)
Chapters 45-47
Reading Check
1. $20 (Chapter 45)
2. Squeak (The Sixth Important Thing)
3. band uniforms (The Sixth Important Thing)
4. newspaper office (Chapter 47)
Multiple Choice
1. A (The Sixth Important Thing)
2. D (Chapter 46)
3. C (Chapter 47)
4. B (Chapter 47)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur’s mom feels badly for throwing Arthur’s dad’s things away earlier and for upsetting Arthur, which led to Arthur throwing the brick at James Hampton. She is still grieving Arthur’s dad but also trying to move on with her life. (Chapter 45)
2. The secretary, like the vice principal and judge, views Arthur as a troublemaker and doesn’t want Arthur to steal any of the money in the can. She doesn’t see how much Arthur has grown since he threw the brick nor understand who Arthur was before the incident. (The Sixth Important Thing)
3. Arthur dislikes reporters because they wrote things about his dad and his death that weren’t true. They also wrote untrue things about Arthur when he threw the brick. (Chapter 47)
4. Squeak’s dad is the truck driver who found James Hampton after Arthur threw the brick. (Chapter 47)
5. Squeak doesn’t tell his parents who Arthur is because of the brick incident. Squeak likes Arthur and doesn’t want his parents to get upset because the boys are friends. Squeak sees Arthur in a way few other people do. (Chapter 47)
Chapters 48-51
Reading Check
1. a reporter and photographer (Chapter 48)
2. a country club (Chapter 50)
3. the Bible (Chapter 50)
4. 14th (Chapter 51)
Multiple Choice
1. C (Chapter 49)
2. B (Chapter 49)
3. D (Chapter 50)
4. A (Chapter 51)
Short-Answer Response
1. Arthur thinks people will judge him because they will remember the brick incident. He doesn’t want James Hampton’s art to be dragged down because of Arthur’s name. (Chapter 48)
2. Arthur gets mad because the people from the museum don’t love the art like he does. They debate things like artistic integrity, not knowing or caring about the emotion behind the art. (Chapter 50)
3. The people from the museum say the sculpture’s surfaces represent how heaven is a reflection of ourselves. Perhaps heaven is meant to show how we should act on Earth. (Chapter 50)
4. Arthur appreciates his birthday because he has a good day despite his dad being gone. He’s learning to enjoy life again and even appreciate his new family. (Chapter 51)
Chapter 52-Seven Years Later
Reading Check
1. National Collection of Fine Arts (Chapter 52)
2. good behavior (The Seventh Important Thing)
3. the rusty shopping cart (The Seventh Important Thing)
4. design and architecture (Seven Years Later)
Multiple Choice
1. B (The Seventh Important Thing)
2. D (The Seventh Important Thing)
3. C (Seven Years Later)
4. A (Seven Years Later)
Short-Answer Response
1. The sculpture is going into storage, which upsets Arthur because people won’t see it there. He wants other people to be able to appreciate the art James Hampton worked so hard on. (Chapters 52-53)
2. The empty garage feels unnatural, and Arthur wonders if he imagined James Hampton and the sculpture. It also feels bittersweet because it means James Hampton is really gone. (The Seventh Important Thing)
3. Arthur has changed a lot since he knew James Hampton. That time feels like it wasn’t even part of the same life. (Seven Years Later)
4. The judge who presided over Arthur’s hearing is a board member at the museum, which strikes Arthur as strange because he didn’t seem like the type to enjoy art. In contrast to seven years ago, the judge no longer views Arthur as a troublemaker and now appreciates how his efforts to bring the art into the public eye. (Seven Years Later)
Related Titles
By Shelley Pearsall
