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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 does Calder use as an way to look for large storage spaces?

2. What does Petra find where he has been left behind?

3. To whom are Calder and Petra supposed to give the object from Mrs. Sharpe?

4. Where do Petra and the security guard go?

5. What do Petra and Calder learn about Mrs. Sharpe's husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Calder find "The Lady Waiting"?

2. What happens to "The Lady Waiting" and how does the National Gallery respond to part of the thief's demands?

3. Where does Petra find Calder and the painting?

4. Why is Petra nervous in Delia Dell Hall?

5. What do Calder and Petra wonder as they sit in Gracie Hall?

6. How is Ms. Hussey's class metamorphosing?

7. Where does Calder manage to be left behind and what does he find?

8. What occurs on the visit Petra and Calder make to the hospital to visit Mrs. Sharpe?

9. Why do Petra and Calder not read the letter from Mrs. Sharpe to Ms. Hussey?

10. What happens when the thief's letter appears in newspapers around the world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Chasing Vermeer" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Chasing Vermeer" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young teens? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Chasing Vermeer" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Chasing Vermeer" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Chasing Vermeer? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Chasing Vermeer" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Blue Balliett.

2. What in Balliett's background may have helped her in writing Chasing Vermeer? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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