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 does Dicey's new friend say that indicates a true friendship is possible?

2. After some discussion among James, Gram, Mr. Lingerle and Dicey, what is the plan agreed upon for Maybeth.

3. What is the common thread in the kids' background that seems to stifle true joy of life?

4. What is it about the history paper James writes that is different than the usual?

5. What thought occurs to Dicey when James shows the family Bible with the names of Gram's children written inside?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Maybeth is discouraged and upset by how others treat her, what does James' reaction indicate?

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

3. Why does Gram insist upon first telling only Dicey about what the teachers had to say?

4. What is the impact on Gram's life now that the children have settled in at the farm?

5. What action does Gram take that signals maybe there is a chance for a stable future in Maryland?

6. What is the impact on Dicey when James gets his job delivering newspapers?

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

8. What does Dicey's surprise at being chosen as Mina's science class partner indicate about Dicey's frame of mind.

9. How is Dicey's thinking impacted when she learns Millie cannot read?

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

Gram characterizes Dicey's essay as an attempt to impress and open up to her classmates to give an opportunity to know something about her. She cares about school and classmates and people knowing something about her and her family. Contrast this attempt with the reasoning by Mina that Dicey does not care enough to cheat.

Essay Topic 2

Setting and circumstances of Gram are central to the development of the kids progress as they settle in at the farm. Gram's isolation at the farm and minimalist life style are two factors. Provide a typical day to day description of Gram's week at the farm at a point several months before the kids appear on the scene.

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 808 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample