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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. Under what name is Willie traveling?

2. Why does Big Will say that his guilt over Willie's accident is more difficult than Mrs. Weaver's guilt over Missy's death?

3. Why does Willie agree to try racquetball even though he feels like he might be setting himself up for another failure?

4. What nickname does Johnny Rivers use to refer to Willie?

5. Why does Willie's mom warn him about "fast things"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Willie disappointed when he realizes that Angel works for Lacey?

2. Why does Lacey, the bus driver, wait to help Willie until after the gang leaves?

3. Why does Willie go back for Kam instead of leaving him behind in the fire?

4. What evidence at the beginning of Chapter 2 suggests that Willie and his father, Big Will, enjoy taking risks?

5. Why does Lisa offer to help Willie?

6. Why does Willie complain that "they always tell you things when it's too late"?

7. What excuse does Jenny give to Willie to explain why she cannot stay in a relationship with him?

8. Why does the umpire not reprimand Sal Whitworth for hitting Johnny Rivers?

9. What details make Willie's final play of the Crazy Horse Electric game legendary?

10. Why does Andre not try to stop Angel from being a prostitute?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In what ways does the death of Willie's sister affect each of the members of the Weaver family? How do they each deal with the tragedy, and how does it affect their relationship with one another?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Oakland, California and Coho, Montana. What experiences is Willie unprepared for upon his arrival in Oakland, and how does he learn to adapt? Provide evidence from the text to support your observations.

Essay Topic 3

How does Willie's perspective on taking risks develop throughout the novel? What experiences change the way he feels about taking risks?

(see the answer keys)

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