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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 nickname does Johnny Rivers use to refer to Willie?

2. How does Willie feel about his job as manager for the girls' basketball team?

3. What does Willie think would improve his parents' relationship?

4. To what does Cyril compare Willie's accident?

5. Why does Jenny jump into the water after Willie's accident?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hawk attack Kam?

2. Why is Willie reluctant to return to school after his accident?

3. Why do the other boys on the baseball team go after Johnny Rivers and hose him down?

4. How does Lacey's perspective on his relationship with Andre compare to Andre's perspective?

5. Why does Willie decide to wait for the bus at the bench even though the gang is there, too.

6. What explanation does Hawk give to explain why he did not make it to the school on the night of the fire?

7. Why do Willie, Petey, and Jenny go to see Mr. Samson?

8. What details about the beginning of the novel establish the rest of the story as a flashback?

9. In what ways does Sammy help Willie?

10. How does Sal Whitworth's comment about "I'm catching on..." affect Willie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how Willie's accident and disability actually help him to become a stronger person in the end. What strengths does he discover? How does his sense of self evolve? Be sure to provide textual evidence for support.

Essay Topic 2

How might Willie's experience have been different if he had made it to San Francisco instead of getting stuck in Oakland?

Essay Topic 3

Some of the adults in Willie's life are supportive and nurturing, while others are interfere with his development. Analyze the roles that different adults play in Willie's life, and explain how each of these adults plays a part in his development and his healing.

(see the answer keys)

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