Chapter 1

Which character does the novel open with?

What age is this character? How long has she been a ‘carer’?
Who narrates the story?
From which perspective is the story told?
Where do the students attend school?
Which aspect of sport causes Tommy to act aggressively and why? What happened when
Kathy tried to help Tommy?
What other character are we introduced to ?
What do you think it means to be a ‘donor’?

Chapter 2
How does Kathy try unsuccessfully to stop the bulling?
What are ‘exchanges’?
Who does Tommy promise to explain his change in attitude to ?
Have you noted anything unusual about the students and their life in school? Would you
consider it typical of an English school in the 1990s?
What name was given to the adults in the school?

Chapter 3

Tommy reveals a secret to Kathy that Miss Lucy suggested to Tommy. Outline this secret.
How does Miss Lucy feel about the teaching in the school?