Save Me a Seat Study Guide

Comprehensive question-and-answer review flashcards covering characters, plot points, vocabulary, and themes from the book Save Me a Seat.

What is Ravi excited about when he starts school?

He hopes to make friends and do well in his new school.

Why does Ravi find school different from his old school?

The routines, language, and expectations are unfamiliar.

Why do some students misunderstand Joe?

They judge him before getting to know him.

How do Ravi and Joe each feel at the beginning of the story?

Both feel like they don't quite fit in.

What helps Ravi adjust to his new school?

Learning more about his classmates and school routines.

What problem do Ravi and Joe both face?

They each struggle to fit in at school.

What does Ravi learn about life in a new country?

Adjusting takes time and patience.

Where is Ravi originally from?

India

Why did Ravi and his family move to the United States?

His father got a job in America, so the family relocated.

What state, town, and type of community do Joe and Ravi live in?

They live in Hamilton Mews, New Jersey, in a suburban community.

What school do Joe and Ravi both attend?

Albert Einstein Elementary

What grade are Joe and Ravi in?

Fifth grade

What is the name of the bully in the story?

Dillon Samreen

What is Joe's main challenge at school?

He has auditory processing disorder, which makes it hard for him to filter sounds and focus in noisy environments.

What special equipment does Joe use to help with his auditory processing disorder?

He wears hearing aids or sound-filtering devices to help manage noise.

What languages does Ravi speak at home?

Tamil and English, as his family is from India.

What does Ravi find confusing about American school culture?

Many customs, slang terms, foods, and social norms are unfamiliar to him.

How does Dillon treat Ravi when he first arrives at school?

He mispronounces Ravi's name, mocks him, and makes him feel unwelcome.

How does Dillon treat Joe at school?

He bullies and humiliates Joe, taking advantage of his differences.

What does the title Save Me a Seat refer to?

It refers to saving a seat at the lunch table, which becomes a symbol of friendship and belonging.

Over how many days does the story take place?

One school week — five days, Monday through Friday.

What is significant about the lunch table in the story?

It is where Joe and Ravi's friendship begins to form and where belonging is symbolized.

What does Joe like to do outside of school?

He enjoys baking and cooking, especially making Indian food after Ravi introduces him to it.

What food does Ravi bring to school that becomes important to the story?

He brings Indian food, including items like murukku, a crunchy Indian snack.

What is murukku?

A crunchy, savory Indian snack that Ravi's grandmother makes.

Who is Ravi's grandmother, and what is her role in the story?

She is called Paati and is an important, loving figure in Ravi's life who represents his Indian heritage.

What does Ravi miss most about India?

He misses his friends, his familiar surroundings, and the comfort of his life back home.

What does Joe miss about his life before his auditory processing disorder became a bigger challenge?

He misses feeling normal and being able to participate fully without his condition getting in the way.

What does Dillon do at the Harvest Festival that causes a major problem?

He sabotages the situation in a way that embarrasses and harms Joe and Ravi.

What does Joe's mother do to support him at school?

She advocates for him and works with the school to ensure he has the support he needs.

What does Ravi's mother do to help him adjust to life in America?

She encourages him and tries to help him navigate his new environment.

What does Ravi think of American school lunches when he first arrives?

He finds them strange and unfamiliar compared to the food he ate in India.

What does Joe think when he first notices Ravi at school?

He observes Ravi as a newcomer who also seems out of place, like himself.

What subject does Ravi excel at in school?

He is a strong academic student, particularly in areas that were part of his curriculum in India.

What does Dillon call Ravi to mock him?

He mispronounces and distorts Ravi's name, calling him "Robbie" among other things.

What does Joe do when Dillon bullies him?

He tries to avoid confrontation but struggles with how to stand up for himself.

What does Ravi do when Dillon bullies him?

He tries to understand the situation and find a way to respond, drawing on his own confidence and background.

What role does food play in the story?

Food represents culture, identity, and connection — it helps bridge Joe and Ravi's worlds.

What happens to Dillon by the end of the story?

His bullying behavior is exposed and he faces consequences for his actions, including getting leeches in his pants.

What did Ravi get out of the M&M jar?

He got a doubled blue M&M.

Why was Joe lonely?

His friends moved away.

In the book Save Me a Seat, what does ABCD stand for?

American Born Confused Desi

What is the name of Joe's dog?

Mia

What does Ravi bring in for show and tell?

Leeches

Where does Ravi get hit in gym class?

His shoulder

Why was Joe mad at his mom?

His mom got a new job at his school because she got laid off.

What is Joe's favorite M&M?

The blue M&M

Who stole Ravi's pencils?

Dillon (Dylan)

What does Ravi's name mean in Sanskrit?

The sun

How did Ravi get hurt when he was playing baseball?

Ravi got hit at his glasses.