Use these questions and the activities that follow to get more out of the experience of reading The Million Dollar Shot by Dan Gutman.

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1 List three things besides shooting a basketball that Eddie Ball can do to show he is "really good at throwing stuff at a target."

2 When Eddie and Annie play HORSE, what does Annie do that astonishes Eddie? Where did she learn to do this?

3 At first Eddie doesn't think the rules will allow him to enter the Finkles contest. What happens to change this?

4 Compare what Eddie likes to read with what Annie likes to read. Which do you think would be more helpful for entering the contest. Explain why.

5 What are some of the major differences between Finkles and Air Crunchies? Which would you rather eat and why?

6 Describe Mr. Finkle. What are some of the things he does that indicate whether he is a good or bad person?

7 Many people benefit from the free throw contest. Who are they? Describe what they will gain from Eddie's win.

8 Imagine you are in Eddie's place. Do you think you might consider taking Mr. Finkle's bribe to lose the contest? Why or why not?

9 Ty and Johnny cause a lot of trouble for Eddie. Why do you think they do this? What makes them change their minds?

10 Explain why Eddie becomes angry after Mr. Stokely begins spending more time with his mother. Do you think he will always be angry about it?

11 At Madison Square Garden, Eddie begins feeling light-headed and dizzy just before the free throw contest. Why do you think this happens? What do you think happened to his Susan B. Anthony dollar? Explain your answer.

12 What do you think happens to the characters after the story ends? What might happen to Eddie and Annie? Eddie's mother and Mr. Stokely? Mr. Finkle?

13 What would have happened to the characters if Eddie missed the free throw? Do you think there could still be a happy ending if Eddie didn't win the contest?

14 As you were reading the book, did you think Eddie would win or lose the contest? Explain what made you think so, using details from the story.

15 Compare Mr. Stokely and Mr. Finkle. What makes them different or the same? What influence do each have on Eddie?

Note: These questions are keyed to Bloom's Taxonomy as follows: Knowledge: 1-3; Comprehension: 4-6; Application: 7-8; Analysis: 9-10; Synthesis: 11-13; Evaluation: 14, 15.

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