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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. Asa had always assumed that _________________________.

2. How easily does Asa make friends in his new classroom?

3. What does Asa first notice about Dave?

4. What color dress does Mrs. Brock wear on Show Night?

5. Who is Asa's stepfather?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Asa's fourth grade teacher and why does he like her?

2. What things has Asa brought home with him on the last day of school?

3. What helps Asa make new friends in his class?

4. Why does Asa revert to the old poem and include Joel in the recitation?

5. Why does Asa push ahead in line to perform earlier than scheduled when he sees Joel in the auditorium?

6. Who does Asa see at the back of the auditorium as he is waiting backstage at Show Night?

7. What is Dave's demeanor after Asa's mother gets Asa off the roller coaster ride?

8. What do Asa and Dave do while Asa's mother talks to Asa's father on the phone?

9. How does Asa try to keep the poem practices moving forward after Joel begins to miss practice sessions?

10. Why does Joel's mother call Asa, and what does she offer to do regarding Joel and the poem?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of struggle. Identify at least two instances about struggle in the book and then cite examples to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Joel. What is his role in the story, "Not Blue"? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Joel's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

What is the greatest lesson Asa learns from Dave? Is it that important lessons are also painful ones? What will Asa always recall about his life with Dave as his stepfather?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 812 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample