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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. Why is Dave afraid to give his mother's phone number to the authorities?

2. What is Dave's favorite place in Golden Gate Park?

3. Beginning in Chapter 3, Bad Boy, who becomes Dave's protector?

4. What is Dave's favorite place in the world to go during vacation, according to Chapter 2, Good Times?

5. What do Dave and his family like to do in the springtime in Chapter 2, Good Times?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what Dave's family does on spring days in Chapter 2, Good Times.

2. Explain how Dave manages to get food at school in Chapter 4, The Fight for Food.

3. By Chapter 4, The Fight for Food, what is his position in the family?

4. Describe the condition of Dave's mother on a typical day in Chapter 1, The Rescue.

5. Describe Dave's plan to prevent his mother from making him lie across the gas stove in Chapter 3, Bad Boy.

6. Describe what Dave's mother does on the days his father is at work, beginning in Chapter 3, Bad Boy.

7. Describe the breakfasts Dave usually receives from his mother.

8. Discuss why Dave does not mind having to run to school.

9. Describe the lunch Dave has been taking to school for the past three years in Chapter 1, The Rescue.

10. Summarize the tradition Dave's family follows to prepare for Halloween in Chapter 2, Good Times.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Evaluate the relationship between Dave and his mother.

- How does Dave's father affect Dave's relationship with his mother?

- How does Dave feel about his mother at the end of the book?

- Give examples from the story of how they interact with one another.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the events leading up to the stabbing of Dave in the abdomen by his mother.

- Describe how Dave's mother reacts to the stabbing and what she demands from Dave.

- How does Dave survive the infection from his wound?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, Dave's mother reveals her coldness and cruelty toward Dave.

- Summarize how her attitude toward Dave reflects the attitudes of the rest of the family. Cite examples from the story.

- How does she brainwash Dave's brothers and father not to acknowledge Dave's abusive situation?

(see the answer keys)

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