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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 XI, "Invitations," what does Jeff do to Melissa on the morning after the play?

2. In Chapter VIII, "Some Jerk," which action of Kelly's reveals how much she cares about Melissa?

3. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," what plan does Kelly reveal?

4. In Chapter X, "Transformations," what is Melissa looking for as she says Charlotte's last words?

5. On page 162 of Chapter X, "Transformations," what does Principal Maldonado whisper to Melissa?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. At the end of Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," what punishment and what advice does Melissa receive from her principal?

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 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?

5. Melissa's mom seems to think that identifying as a girl might be a "phase" that Melissa will grow out of. What are some clues that the book gives us that make this seem unlikely?

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

7. In Chapter XI, "Invitations," Kelly invites Melissa to go to the zoo. What causes Melissa to hesitate at first, and what then causes her to enthusiastically accept the invitation?

8. In Chapter VII, "Some Jerk," Melissa and Kelly have an exchange about transgender rights. Explain what each girl says about this topic.

9. In Chapter X, "Transformations," how does Melissa's mother react to her performance?

10. In the beginning of Chapter IX, "Dinner at Arnie's," Melissa again combs her hair forward. Explain when she does this and why.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapter X is called "Transformations." The novel George is concerned with many kinds of transformations--and not always in obvious ways. Who would you say is most transformed in this novel, and how does that transformation occur? Be sure to support your claims with textual evidence.

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter III, "Acting Is Just Pretend," Melissa (George) tries to open up to Kelly about her gender. What factors prevent this from being the beginning of a serious conversation about Melissa's identity?

Essay Topic 3

There are numerous ways that Melissa's school reinforces gender norms. Describe several of these and comment on how realistic this depiction of contemporary schools is.

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