View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Hector's last name?

2. What lie has Vicky told about Hector and Mando in the story?

3. Who does Julio call first about the photos?

4. What kept the biker's friends from killing Freddie and Huey?

5. What do Freddie and Huey do with their stolen car?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Uncle Julio upset when he reads the story about the boys in the newspaper?

2. What news report do Julio and the boys hear on the car radio and what is their connection to it?

3. How does the Inouye household represent prosperity to the boys?

4. Who is Mr. Inouye and why does Julio take the boys to meet him?

5. When do Hector and Mando realize that Uncle Julio was right about their being in danger?

6. How does Uncle Julio represent a father figure for Hector and Mando?

7. How do Freddie and Huey find out where to find Julio and the boys?

8. Describe the robbers.

9. What plan do Freddie and Huey formulate to get out of their current situation?

10. Why does Vicky call to apologize to Hector and Mando and what does Julio offer to make her feel better?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Mr. Inouye. What is his role in the story? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Mr. Inouye's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of Uncle Julio. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

Essay Topic 3

What is the greatest lesson Hector learns in the book? Is it true that important lessons are also painful ones? What impact did Uncle Julio have on Dencey's life? What would Dencey consider to be her best decision?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,131 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample