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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. In Chapter IV, "Anticipation," when does Melissa (George) agree to practice with Kelly?

2. The scene in Chapter III, ("Acting Is Just Pretend"), where Melissa (George) takes a bath is probably included to show what?

3. In Chapter I, "Secrets," why does Melissa (George) want to keep her stuffed animals and toys?

4. In Chapter V, "Auditions," what disgusting thing does Scott talk about at the dinner table?

5. In Chapter I, "Secrets," how does Melissa (George) react to Scott's description of the zombie movie?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter IV, "Anticipation," why does Melissa (George) laugh so hard on the playground?

2. In Chapter IV, "Anticipation," why does Melissa (George) not want her classmates to know that she is going to try out for Charlotte?

3. What does Melissa (George) hate about the boys' bathroom?

4. In Chapter V, "Auditions," Melissa (George) thinks that maybe Ms. Udell will be so proud of her for being true to herself that she will actually give Melissa the part of Charlotte. Explain the irony in this situation.

5. Describe Melissa's (George's) relationship with her father.

6. In Chapter IV, "Anticipation," what happens when Melissa (George) tries to practice her audition at recess?

7. What does Melissa's (George's) mom say in the dinner conversation in Chapter III, "Acting Is Just Pretend," that stops Melissa from asking her question about being transgender?

8. Why is Melissa (George) so preoccupied with things that are pink and things that are blue?

9. In Chapter IV, "Anticipation," what does Kelly say her dad says about Melissa (George) trying out for a female role?

10. What points is the author trying to make about the Arden household by including the details about the dishes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable," why do you think that Scott invites Melissa to play Mario Kart? What are his stated reasons, and what do you think might be his more hidden reasons? Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the symbol of the front door. Twice in the text (in Chapter I, "Secrets," and in Chapter VI, "Taken,") readers see Melissa struggle with the door. Read these scenes carefully and think about what they have in common both in their details and in the scenes they precede. Also consider what is different between the two scenes. Write an analysis of the front door as a symbol, using textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 3

In Chapter X, "Transformations," when Melissa is onstage playing Charlotte, she feels "as if she were born there and had only now found herself where she had always been" (156). Explain why she feels this way--explain what was true of her life before this moment and in what way this moment is both a transformation and a confirmation of who she has always been.

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