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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who appears at the Larkins' shack at the beginning of Chapter 4?

2. What is Mom's name?

3. Dad announces that there won't be work for the next three days because of _______________________.

4. Why is Janey allowed to go to the destination in #34?

5. What is Lupe's last name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unspoken between Janey and Lupe regarding the ride ticket that Lupe gives Janey?

2. What is the significance of the nickel in terms of how Mom feels for Janey's good fortune?

3. What is the image on the blue willow plate?

4. What conclusion does Janey come to regarding Lupe's skin color?

5. What does Mom give to Janey to take to the fair?

6. What has Janey always longed to do in a permanent place?

7. What exhibits do Janey and Lupe look at at the fair and why does Lupe reason that Janey wants to stay by herself in the library booth?

8. What is known about Janey's mother and the woman she calls Mom?

9. What is the significance of the blue willow plate to Janey?

10. How does Dad show that he can be content with his life the way it is?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 2

BLUE WILLOW is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply BLUE WILLOW. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

(see the answer keys)

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