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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. When the narrator states that Grace is not ashamed of Rafe, of whom is she said to be ashamed instead?

2. What is Grace's response when her mother asks about the boy she has been seen hanging out with?

3. During Ana's illustration to Joaquin about Mark and Linda, to what object does she liken these two potential parents for Joaquin?

4. What does Joaquin immediately think is happening when he returns home from his therapy session and sees a strange car in the driveway?

5. What is NOT a feature of the necklace Grace keeps hidden under her shirt to honor her biological daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. For what transgression does Maya blame Claire for an extended period of time near the end of the couple's relationship and why?

2. What word does Maya's dad use in reference to Maya's birth mother that infuriates Maya?

3. What is the symbolism of the iced tea Joaquin loathes?

4. During Mark and Linda's second inquiry into Joaquin's feelings about their possible adoption of him, what is the question he finally poses to them?

5. What are the contents of the text Maya receives from her dad, setting in motion the chain of events that lead to Maya and Claire's break-up?

6. What is Rafe's family situation?

7. What does Joaquin view as ironic about everyone making college plans around him at school?

8. How does Joaquin feel after his altercation with Adam and why?

9. How is the theme of isolation depicted within Joaquin's reaction to his sisters' queries after his altercation with Adam?

10. What are the characteristics of Lauren's communication with Claire that Maya considers unforgivable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the message of Robin Benway's novel Far From the Tree concerning the link between family bonds and emotional stability?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the author's focus on the theme of transformation. What message is the author sending about change and about one other theme of your choice?

Essay Topic 3

How is the topic of biological ties treated within the novel and how does its treatment relate to the book's depicted messages?

(see the answer keys)

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