View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Joe Dowdel enlist in the military in "The Troop Train"?
(a) Fort Wilson.
(b) Fort Penning.
(c) Fort Jones.
(d) Fort Sheridan.

2. What movie theater was John Dillinger leaving when he was killed?
(a) The Biograph Theater.
(b) The Orpheus Theater.
(c) The Sun Theater.
(d) The Olympic Theater.

3. What are the instructions for gentlemen on the new banner at the train station in "Centennial Summer"?
(a) "Enter the physical strength contest!"
(b) "Take your lady by the arm!"
(c) "Grow a beard or pay a fine!"
(d) "Exit to the right of the station."

4. Who does Grandma Dowdel tell Mary Alice and Joey that the stovepipe hat in the attic once belonged to in the beginning of "Things with Wings"?
(a) A preacher.
(b) A banker.
(c) Charlie Chaplin.
(d) Abraham Lincoln.

5. When was John Dillinger killed?
(a) June 2, 1934.
(b) June 13, 1933.
(c) July 22, 1934.
(d) September 1, 1935.

6. How late does Joe Dowdel's train leave the station in "The Troop Train"?
(a) Three hours late.
(b) An hour late.
(c) Two hours late.
(d) Thirty minute late.

7. When was A Long Way from Chicago awarded the Newbery Honor?
(a) 1988.
(b) 1996.
(c) 2002.
(d) 1999.

8. What kind of dancing lessons has Mary Alice been taking in "Centennial Summer"?
(a) Tap lessons.
(b) Jitterbug lessons.
(c) Foxtrot lessons.
(d) Ballroom dancing lessons.

9. How much money is offered from Grandma Dowdel's stovepipe hat at the rummage sale in "Things with Wings"?
(a) $5.
(b) $2.
(c) $20.
(d) $15.

10. Who is Mary Alice's dance partner at the talent show in "Centennial Summer"?
(a) Ray Veech.
(b) Ernie Cowgill.
(c) Earl T. Askew.
(d) Ike Cripe.

11. When did the Great Fire of Chicago occur?
(a) 1929.
(b) 1899.
(c) 1871.
(d) 1911.

12. Where does Joey say he and Mary Alice go to see the movies back home in "Things with Wings"?
(a) The Oriental Theater.
(b) The Orpheus Theater.
(c) The Quills Theater.
(d) The Magenta Theater.

13. What does Joey see when his train passes Grandma Dowdel's house in "The Troop Train"?
(a) Grandma Dowdel's house no longer standing.
(b) Grandma Dowdel holding a large banner.
(c) Grandma Dowdel waving.
(d) Fireworks going off across the town.

14. What is the name of Junior Stubbs's father?
(a) Merle Stubbs.
(b) Peter Stubbs.
(c) Jack Stubbs.
(d) Robert Stubbs.

15. What soda does Joey describe as tasting "like cough medicine" in "The Phantom Brakeman"?
(a) Dr. Pepper.
(b) Pepsi Cola.
(c) Orange Crush.
(d) Coca Cola.

Short Answer Questions

1. When was author Richard Peck born?

2. How much money does Otis say Grandma Dowdel has held in the bank in "Things with Wings"?

3. What is the name of Uncle Grady Griswold's wife?

4. Which of the short stories from A Long Way from Chicago was first published elsewhere?

5. How old is Vandalia in "The Phantom Brakeman"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 425 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample