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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. Which gang is preparing for war after the shooting at the vacant lot?

2. What does Jandro have Luis and Rano steal?

3. Who ends up painting a mural on the concession stand that is the scene of a gang incident?

4. Who loses an eye in the gang shooting?

5. What did Luis do with his toys that first Christmas?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does graffiti show a rift within the gang?

2. How does Luis's saxophone cause a rift between him and Joe?

3. Why did Luis break his toys at Christmas?

4. What do Luis's early memories reveal about his feelings toward his father?

5. What do Luis and Rano do with their money they earn?

6. How does Luis describe his mother at the beginning of the book?

7. Why did Rano pick on his brother?

8. After they leave Seni's, how is Luis' new neighborhood described?

9. Who is Yuk Yuk and what influence does he has on Luis's life?

10. What happens to Clavo's feelings about the gang after he is shot in the eye?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the impact on Luis's life when he waits for his father in the library and discovers an appreciation for writing.

Essay Topic 2

It's interesting that Luis has never expressed his own level of commitment to the gang, but does say that he knows he can't say no when asked to participate in a particular raid or gang event. Compare and contract Luis's commitment to the gang with his commitment to his family.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the race problems at Luis's high school, including specific incidents from the book involving teachers and students. How do they affect Luis? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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