Nothing But the Truth
Reading Guide – Chapters 1-11
1. Who are the main characters of the book? From what viewpoint is the book written?
Philip Malloy, Miss Narwin, his parents, school administrators. (actually it’s not really clear who are
main characters).
The story is told from the view point of all the different characters of the story.
2. Why are there incomplete sentences in the book?
There are a couple of reasons for the incomplete sentences in the book.
Some parts are written in a diary format. Others are conversations – so the sentences reflect how
people speak. Some are interrupted sentences. Some are meant to show the speaker’s tone.
3. What is the setting of the story?
The setting of the story is in the community of Harrison, PA. Much of the story takes place at the high
school, at the Malloy’s home
4. What is the basic conflict that the author is setting up?
The basic conflict is Philip wants to try out for the track team, but he is not passing English and
doesn’t try to make the situation for himself better. He wants to get out Miss Narwin’s class thinking
he will then be able to make the track team. He seems to be willing to go to extremes to make this
happen. All this causes a problem between Philip and Miss Narwin.
5. What kind of teacher is Mr. Lunser? Compare him to Miss Narwin.
Mr. Lunser is a laid-back teacher, who wants to be a comedian in the classroom. Compared to Miss
Narwin, he is less strict and doesn’t seem to follow the rules himself.
6. What is Philip especially interested in during March?
Philip is especially interested in the track try-outs that are in March.
7. What are the primary concerns of the members of Philip’s household?
Mr. Malloy – concerned with how bad things are at his work; Philip making the track team and going
to college.
Mrs. Malloy – concerned with how expensive things are, such as health insurance at work.
Philip – concerned with making the track team (actually, he’s obsessed).
8. What is the importance of the memo Philip receives from Dr. Joseph Palleni? How do you think
Philip feels about the news?
In the memo he receives from Dr. Palleni, Philip finds out he is being moved to Miss Narwin’s
homeroom. This means he will not have her for English, but will also start his day off with her as
well. He does not like this news because he doesn’t like Miss Narwin and he thinks she doesn’t like
him either.
9. Why does Philip call Allison Doresett?
He calls Allison to see if he could “borrow” her book hoping that he might impress her with his humor
because he “likes” her.
10. What is Philip’s attitude and manner?
Philip has a cocky attitude, often at times rude. He tries to use his humor to get attention. He is
insecure and tries to cover it up with indifference about school.
11. What do you learn of Margaret Narwin from her application for a grant?
Miss Narwin is feeling out of touch with her students and thinks that attending the summer
workshop would give her new ideas to use in the classroom. She seems to care about her students
and she loves her subject very much. She is disheartened that many students no longer seem to care
about literature.
12. What do you learn of Harrison School District from the memo in chapter 5?
Harrison School District is facing a financial crisis. The upcoming election is a second vote on the
school budget that was defeated the first time. The district is looking to possibly having to make cuts
in programs and possibly personnel.
13. What do you learn of the school superintendent from his memo in chapter 6?
The school superintendent is more concerned about keeping his job than the real issues of the
schools. He also seems more concerned with the extra-curricular activities than academics.
14. What is foreshadowing? Look for a possible example in chapter 6.
Foreshadowing is when an author gives clues to the reader as to things that will happen later in the
story. The suggestion of a controversial issue probably means that there will be such a situation later
in the story.
15. What wishes does Philip write into diary entry for March 23?
He wishes he hadn’t been thrown out Miss Narwin’s comment on his English exam, and that people
would say what they mean.
16. Why do you think chapter 7 may be significant to the book? Answers vary
The entry shows his lack of concern or seriousness about his English grade and blames it on the
teacher. It really shows how he is obsessed with making the track team. It also shows the
relationship between Philip and his dad – it all seems to be based on Philip running track.
17. What is Dr. Doane’s answer to Margaret Narwin’s grant request? How is she informed?
Dr. Doane tells Miss Narwin that her grant request is denied because the last of the money had been
given to the band director. Miss Narwin is informed of this through a written memo from Dr. Doane.