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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. What is Mr. Anderson's first name?

2. What is Lupe's last name?

3. Janey notices that her Mom ______________ a lot.

4. What is the only book Janey's family has?

5. What is Lupe's last name?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the image on the blue willow plate?

2. What are the differences between a regular school and a camp school?

3. What is known about Janey's mother and the woman she calls Mom?

4. Where is Janey invited to go with the Romeros?

5. What does Dad say about work on the ranch that disappoints Janey?

6. What conclusion does Janey come to regarding Lupe's skin color?

7. What does Mom say at the riverbank that surprises Janey for its poetry?

8. Why does Janey wish for a brother or a sister?

9. What is the significance of the blue willow plate to Janey?

10. Why is paying rent good news for Janey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Doris Gates' use of regionalism in the book. Cite examples of at least two different instances of regionalism and explain why the author used them where she did.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the book's title. What does the author mean by calling it simply BLUE WILLOW. What is she trying to emphasize with this emphatic style? Suggest three alternate titles for this book with supporting rationale for each one.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting she does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

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