Hush

Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. Grandma (Chapter 2)

2. Two Jehovah’s Witnesses (Chapter 2)

3. Joseph, Officer Randall’s son (Chapter 5)

Short Answer

1. Evie cannot tell the truth about her life, as doing so could put her family in jeopardy—especially her father Jonathan, who testified against two of his fellow police officers. (Chapter 1)

2. Toswiah believes Jonathan receiving his medal (and seeing his daughters in the audience) reinforced his belief in justice, which eventually led to him deciding to testify. (Chapter 4)

Chapters 6-10

Reading Check

1. A photograph of Jonathan with the other officers in his precinct (Chapter 7)

2. Three months (Chapter 9)

3. Anna (Chapter 10)

Short Answer

1. Cameron is furious, thinking the move will ruin the family’s lives—especially her social life. (Chapter 6)

2. The federal agents refuse to disclose the family’s destination as it is unsafe for them, Grandma, or friends to know this information. (Chapter 8)

Chapters 11-16

Reading Check

1. Track and Field (Chapter 13)

2. The officers get sent to jail for manslaughter (Chapter 14)

3. A pair of sneakers (Chapter 16)

Short Answer

1. Evie’s classmate Toswiah is short, loud, and constantly surrounded by friends, unlike tall, quiet, and introverted Evie. (Chapter 12)

2. There are no candles on Evie’s birthday cake because Shirley’s new religion prohibits her from celebrating birthdays and holidays. (Chapter 14)

Chapters 17-23

Reading Check

1. Coach Leigh also teaches Anna geometry (Chapter 17)

2. “Daddy Longlegs,” “Spider Woman,” and “Spider” (Chapters 18, 20)

3. Simon’s Rock College (Chapter 21)

Short Answer

1. Grandma’s letters remind the family who they are, and that they are loved. (Chapter 18)

2. Anna believes Shirley is a teacher first and foremost, and ultimately wants what’s best for her daughters—even if it is an education far from home. (Chapter 21)

Chapters 24-28

Reading Check

1. A pair of red-and-white spiked shoes (Chapter 25)

2. A chocolate kiss (Chapter 26)

3. Shirley assures Anna that she can attend college, hugs her, and starts crying. (Chapter 27)

Short Answer

1. In the aftermath of her father’s suicide attempt, Evie decides she does not want the “life everlasting” that Shirley’s religion promises, but the present. (Chapter 24)

2. Evie sees a vision of her father with his bandaged arm, and two girls, Evie and Toswiah, waiting on either side of him. (Chapter 25)