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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. What happens when Chick is hungry and Lil does not come to feed him?

2. What is Chick's birth defect?

3. What does Dr. Phyllis take over that was initially Al's job?

4. Who hires Dr. Phyllis to stay on full time?

5. What is Miranda's job at this establishment?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Oly visit Miranda in her apartment?

2. How is the twins' sick horse healed?

3. Why is Chick almost abandoned by the Binewski family?

4. What is the significance of Mariposa and her horse's accident?

5. What significant event happens on the twins' 14th birthday?

6. Who is Alma Witherspoon?

7. What is the unusual offer that Miranda been approached about, and how does she react?

8. Describe how we first see Oly's adult life.

9. How does the family realize that Chick has special powers?

10. What happens to the Binewski family in the parking lot of the shopping center?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The final scene of the novel has to do with Oly's sacrifice in the name of love. In an essay, explore the reasons behind Oly's obsession with Miss Lick and why she believed that killing her was the only answer. How is the love in Oly's relationship with Miss Lick similar or different to the love in Oly's relationship with Miranda? Was Oly's sacrifice was "worth it" in the end?

Essay Topic 2

Al Binewski has strict rules that the children are to be kept separate from the outside world. There are many reasons for these rules. In an essay, describe two of the reasons why Al may have wanted to keep his children hidden from the townsfolk. Describe two incidents in which the children do come into contact with outsiders, and the outcome of those meetings, and describe the way that isolation has affected one, or more, of the Binewski children.

Essay Topic 3

The family lives a life of separation from those who are "norms." While the family outwardly admits that they dislike "norms," Arty seemingly wants to be accepted by them. In an essay, compare/contrast Arty's vocalization of "norms" versus the actions that he partakes in while desperately seeking acceptance from "norms." How does Arty's view of norms compare to Oly's view? How does Arty's view of "norms" affect his relationship with his brother, Chick?

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