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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. Under what kind of tree do the United Nations sit for break?

2. To which flightless bird does Shayla compare herself?

3. By which of the following does Stacy call Julia?

4. To whom is the book dedicated?

5. What color are the towels in the Willows family bathroom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are “‘old school’ parties” defined in the novel (141-42)?

2. What suspicion does Shayla have of Isabella lending her her top?

3. What advice does Hana offer Shayla about Jace?

4. Why does Shayla note the Monday after Halloween got off to a bad start for her?

5. How does Shayla’s father explain restricted sports leagues?

6. What reaction does Shayla’s mother have to her dressing up as a Black Panther for Halloween?

7. What does Shayla cite as the fun in practicing for hurdles?

8. What remarks does Principal Trask have about Shayla’s Halloween costume?

9. Why does Shayla note liking Mrs. Alvarez?

10. What advice does Shayla receive about running hurdles when she first begins to train for them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the text, some characters receive full names—that is, given name and surname or family name—or have them heavily implied. Others do not. How does the naming align to the relative importance of the characters concerned, and what in the text indicates as much?

Essay Topic 2

Repeatedly in the novel, the protagonist associates itchy palms with coming troubles. Typically, however, itchy palms indicates financial concerns, often greed for money. What effect does the reframing of the symbolism in the present novel have, and how is it achieved?

Essay Topic 3

What overall attitude toward violence does the novel display, and how does it show that attitude?

(see the answer keys)

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