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. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what does Mr. Jackson call Melissa?

2. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what is Principal Maldonado trying to say to Melissa's mother without saying it openly?

3. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," why does Kelly say she never wears skirts to school?

4. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," Melissa thinks of Charlotte as "sage." This means that she thinks that Charlotte is what?

5. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," why does Melissa not tell her mother about her and Kelly's plan?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the beginning of Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," what does Kelly tell Melissa about Melissa being transgender?

2. In the beginning of Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable," what is Kelly's state of mind, and how do we know?

3. In Chapter XII, "Melissa Goes to the Zoo," what preparations has Kelly made for Melissa's arrival, and what do they show about how Kelly is thinking and feeling?

4. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," what change do readers see in the relationship between Jeff and Rick?

5. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," what does Scott assume about Melissa's identity, and why?

6. In Chapter VII, "Time Drags When You're Miserable," what do Melissa and Scott argue about, and why?

7. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," how does Scott react to Melissa's explanation of her gender identity?

8. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," what two objections does Melissa's mother offer to the idea that Melissa is a girl?

9. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," what is Melissa's reaction to her mother's suggestion that she see a therapist, and why does she have this reaction?

10. In Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," how does Kelly's phone call highlight how unsupportive Melissa's mother has been?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," there is a dramatic scene where Jeff and Rick use direct violence at Melissa. What function does the scene serve in the novel, and what larger social issue is being portrayed here in a brief, less graphic way?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Kelly's father and his relationship with Kelly. As you write, think about the following questions: What kind of a person does he seem to be, and what kind of a father does he seem to be? What about his relationship with Kelly seems positive for Kelly? Is there anything in their relationship that you question, or think might not be in Kelly's best interest? On balance, do you think he is a good father?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,051 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample