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 game is Sammy playing when he tries to bend the rules?

2. Who befriends Dicey in science class and asks to partner with her?

3. What does Millie do in an expert manner that Dicey finds interesting to observe?

4. What has happened to Maybeth that brings her to uncontrollable sobbing?

5. What is Dicey's suggestion to Gram concerning the teacher note?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the reaction of Gram and Dicey to the suggestion of a tutor for Maybeth indicate?

2. What is the importance of the presence of Mr. Limgerle as the babysitter and staying as dinner guest?

3. Why does Dicey stop to listen to Jeff play the guitar and sing, but never says much or stays very long?

4. Dicey relaxes in the yard a few days before school is to begin and thinks about the future. What thoughts are most troubling?

5. What action does Gram take that compromises her long held principles but demonstrates her willingness to do what needs to be done?

6. How does the time in Provincetown appear to have impact upon James as the school year gets underway?

7. What is the effect on Dicey when she returns from a brief time out to learn the kids have gone to bed for the night?

8. Why does Dicey begin the school year with a loner attitude and does not attempt to make any friends?

9. What does Gram's reaction about the kids in the attic reveal?

10. Gram receives along letter from the doctor in Boston about Momma's condition. What are Dicey's thoughts when Gram tells her that there has been no change in Momma's condition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author presents four kids from the same Tillerman lineage, yet two opposite personality types. Cite several instances that contrast the more reserved acceptance seeking personalities of James and Maybeth versus the combative assertive personalities of Dicey and Sammy.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the character and personality of James Tillerman. Describe three instances where his thoughts, comments or actions demonstrate a superior intellect.

Essay Topic 3

The author's use of music is the basic building block of the entire story, starting with the obvious title. Describe how music provides the glue that holds the storyline together throughout the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample