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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. Why doesn't Aunt Patty know much about children?

2. What does Elizabeth do when Willa Jo and Little Sister cry?

3. What is the name of the family staying in the vacation bungalows across from Aunt Patty's house?

4. What are Willa Jo and Little Sister doing at the beginning of Chapter 5?

5. What does Aunt Patty buy for the girls in the store in #26?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Aunt Patty react when Little Sister brings all the newts into the kitchen?

2. How does Aunt Patty feel when she hears the girls tell their mother that they want to come home?

3. How does Liz respond to Aunt Patty who tries to make Liz feel bad by saying that her nieces associate with Cynthia Wainwright?

4. What is revealed about the time surrounding Baby's death which explains why Willa Jo and Little Sister want to sit on the roof at Aunt Patty's house?

5. What is Willa Jo doing at the beginning of the book which irritates and frustrates her Aunt Patty?

6. What are some of the rules that Aunt Patty has in her house?

7. Why is Willa Jo especially sensitive about keeping Little Sister safe?

8. Why does Aunt Patty eventually offer to take Willa Jo and Little Sister for awhile?

9. Why is the shopping trip to get new clothes frustrating for Willa Jo and Little Sister?

10. Why are Willa Jo and Little Sister staying with Aunt Patty, and how long will they be there?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 2

"Getting Near to Baby" is a classic example of a coming-of-age story. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Willa Jo. What did she look like? What were her positive personality traits? What were her dreams and fears? What was most valuable to her in her world?

(see the answer keys)

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