Gym Candy Reading Comprehension

What is the book "Gym Candy" candy about?

It's about the struggle of a boy to live up to his father's and his own expectations; and how he makes wrong choices.

Who is the author of Gym Candy?

Carl Deuker

Who are the main characters?

Mick, his dad Mike and his coach Peter

What is Mick like at the beginning? and How old is Mick?

He's an athletic, competitive and regular sixteen year old boy.

What was the purpose of the author in writing the novel?

To inform and make people aware of the dangers of steroids.

What is "gym candy" referring to?

steroids

Who is Mick ?

Mick is mikes son and a football player

Why did Mick feel so much pressure to be good at football?

Because his dad played in the NFL

What sport did Mick's dad play when he was young?

He played football

How old was Mick when he started playing football?

He was 4 years old

What sport did Mick's mom do when she was young?

She was a gymnast

Why did Mick's dad lie to him about his past with the NFL?

Mick's dad ruined his career by drinking and being irresponsible. He didn't want Mick to look down on him.

Who gave Mick the idea of using steroids?

The gym coach his dad hired for him, Peter Volz

What are steroids?

It is a drug that replicates human sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Why would Mick even consider taking steroids?

He thought his muscles would grow and he could then be a great athlete.

Why wouldn't Coach Downs let Mick play in quarterback?

Because Mick was only a freshman

What happened to Mick after taking steroid pills?

He couldn't stop. He became addicted and then started using steroid injections.

What are the dangers of taking steroids?

Many: delayed puberty, stunt growth, cancer, heart disease, stroke, liver damage, and more.

Did Mick change after taking steroids?

Yes, he was playing great but he also had mood swings, he had bad acne, he was depressed and angry, he became addicted.

What made Mr. Stime suspect that Mick was taking drugs (steroids)?

Mick's performance changes in a short time. He was twenty-one pounds heavier in a few months. He could bench press seventy- five pounds more. He was a lot faster, too.

Who else confronted Mick about doing drugs (steroids)?

His friend (Drew) was angry at Mick for being dishonest and for making bad choices against his own person.

What makes you realize that Mick is out of control?

When Mick pulls a gun and threatens to shoot Drew after Drew said he's tell the coach about Mick's addiction.

Did Mick hurt Drew?

Not physically. Mick ends up attempting to commit suicide and shooting himself.

What happened with Mick in the end?

Fortunately, Mick only injured himself. Mick started to recover physically and mentally.

Where was Mick at the end of the story?

Mick was in a rehab center.

Did Mick have hopes for the future?

Yes, his mom and him grew closer together and their faith helped them through. Mick hoped to get back into football.