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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Dave feel about his father after he tells his father about the stabbing?
(a) He is afraid of his father.
(b) He loves his father.
(c) He loses all respect for his father.
(d) His father is a coward.

2. Why does Dave grow to hate his father?
(a) His father treats his brothers better.
(b) His father fails to rescue him.
(c) His father leaves the family.
(d) His father starts beating him.

3. What does Dave promise himself he will do if he comes out of his situation alive?
(a) He will get revenge on his mother.
(b) He will get revenge on his father.
(c) He will be the best he can be.
(d) He will get revenge on his brothers.

4. What is Dave's final thought in the book?
(a) I'll never forgive.
(b) I'll never let it go.
(c) I'll never be free.
(d) I'm free.

5. Who is the bully in Dave's school that beats him up whenever he sees him?
(a) Ron.
(b) Kevin.
(c) Clifford.
(d) Stan.

6. What is Dave thinking as he looks at his stab wound and sits at the bottom of the stairs?
(a) He thinks he is a pitiful creature.
(b) He thinks his mother will eventually kill him.
(c) He thinks he will die.
(d) He wills his wound to heal.

7. What does Dave's father tell him when Dave goes to him for help after being stabbed?
(a) He tells Dave that they will go away together.
(b) He tells Dave to go to bed.
(c) He tells Dave that he will take him to the hospital.
(d) He tells Dave to go and finish washing the dishes.

8. Where does Dave bring his son at the end of the book?
(a) The Russian River.
(b) His hometown.
(c) His old school.
(d) His mother's house.

9. When Dave brings home a letter from Mr. Zeigler telling Mother about Dave's being the top student in the class, how does Mother react?
(a) She burns the letter.
(b) She gives Dave a hug.
(c) She tells Dave that she wishes he were dead.
(d) She says that she is proud of him.

10. What does Dave bring himself to eat after he finishes the breakfast dishes one day in Chapter 7, The Lord's Prayer ?
(a) He eats food off the floor.
(b) He eats the bread his mother threw out to the birds.
(c) He eats leftover pancakes out of the dog's bowl.
(d) He eats cat food.

11. Why does Dave's mother give him roller skates for Christmas?
(a) Dave's father told her to give Dave a present.
(b) So she can send him out in the cold to skate for hours.
(c) She got them free from the thrift shop.
(d) She wants him to be happy one day of the year.

12. What lie does Dave's mother tell everyone about what Dave did to her while she was pregnant?
(a) Dave tripped her.
(b) Dave pushed her down the stairs.
(c) Dave kicked her in the stomach.
(d) Dave threw soap in her face.

13. How does Dave prevent the black hole from taking control of his life?
(a) He keeps a positive attitude.
(b) He confronts his father.
(c) He gets therapy.
(d) He confronts his mother.

14. Why does the school nurse begin to be interested in Dave's condition in Chapter 6, While Father is Away?
(a) One of Dave's neighbors calls the school.
(b) She notices Dave's wretched appearance.
(c) One of the other children reports Dave's condition to her.
(d) The substitute teacher reports Dave's condition to her.

15. What is Dave's punishment if he looks at one of his brothers?
(a) A kick.
(b) A burn from the stove.
(c) No food.
(d) A slap in the face.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Dave feel as he looks at the rundown cabin where his family used to vacation?

2. How does Dave refer to Mother's house after his father leaves?

3. How does Dave react when his father says goodbye to him?

4. What does Dave dream on the night his stab wound infection is cleaned?

5. What is Dave thinking as he stands facing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean in the Epilogue?

(see the answer keys)

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