1.

What is Joey’s problem? What is he afraid of? How does he try to solve this problem?

2.

Why is Mrs. D an important character? How is she important to Joey?

3.

Why, according to Philly, is Dad sad, or depressed? Does Joey agree with his sister? Why or why not? Do you agree with her? Why or why not?

4.

What are three things that Joey loves to do? What are three things that Joey does not like to do? What does this tell you about Joey?

5.

How would you describe the situation with Mom? How does this situation affect the plot of Buck Fever?

6.

Why are the hunting rules important? What do these rules tell you about Dad? What does Joey think about these rules? What does this tell you about Joey?

7.

What happens after Joey learns of the bet that his father made? Why is this bet significant? What big decision does Joey make as a result of it?

8.

How are Joey and Junior alike? How are they different? Why is this important?

9.

What advice would you give Joey before he leaves school on Wednesday?

10.

What happens as a result of Joey running away from Sam in the woods? How is this a turning point in the story?

11.

Describe the relationship between Joey and Philly. Describe the relationship between Joey and his dad. How are these relationships the same? How are they different? What does Joey learn about his sister and his father by the end of the story?

12.

How is friendship important in Buck Fever?

13.

How is M.K. Buckner important to this story? What does Joey learn from him? How is M.K. Buckner like Old Buck?

14.

Acceptance is an important theme in Buck Fever. What does Joey learn to accept? How else is acceptance illustrated in this story?

15.

How has Joey changed by the conclusion of the story? What do you predict will happen after the end of the story? Will Joey play hockey again? Will he pursue his love of drawing? Will he hunt? Why or why not?