The Schwa was Here by Neal Shusterman
Vocabulary
Define these words on a separate sheet of paper and have them ready to turn in for
the first day of class.
Vouch
Transgression
Wispy
Exemplary
Persistence
Subtle
Infuriating
Euphemism
Syndrome
Venerable
Mooching
Resonate
Waft
Anonymity
Invalid
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper in complete sentences and
have them ready to turn in for the first day of class.
1. How did Antsy and Schwa get their nicknames? Do their nicknames fit their
personality? If so, how?
2. The author uses euphemisms to describe several of the characters. For
example, Schwa is described as “observationally challenged” and
“functionally invisible”, and Old Man Crowley as “Brooklyn’s own Howard
Hughes.” What other euphemisms can you find in the book? What
euphemism would you use to describe Schwa and other characters?
3.
How are Antsy and Schwa similar? How are they different? In chapter 3,
what ways does Antsy compare himself to Schwa?
4. Why do you think the Schwa is barely noticed? What are some of the things
that make people stand out more than others?
5. In chapter 5, why did Mr. Crawley choose to punish the boys himself? Do
you think the punishment fit the crime? Antsy and Schwa did not have to
follow through on their commitment to Mr. Crawley. What made them
continue to walk the dogs?
6. What does Lexie mean when she says “Sometimes I think my grandfather
died long before I was born?”
7. In chapter 14, Schwa tells Antsy that he’s going to do something to make
himself visible that no one will ever forget. What does he do? Why doesn’t it
work?
8. In the end Mr. Crawley makes Antsy’s dad a partner in his new restaurant.
What does this say about Mr. Crawley’s character?