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. Who rides up with a cow?

2. When does Hattie's uncle Holt take her into his home?

3. How does Traft Martin help Hattie?

4. With what does Mrs. Martin threaten Hattie?

5. What does Hattie find when she arrives home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Karl say Hattie needs to do about plowing, and how does Hattie feel about plowing?

2. What is Hattie's newest challenge in homesteading, and how has Uncle Chester helped?

3. What does Leafie say about Traft Martin when Hattie sees Leafie at the dance?

4. Explain the situation that changes the friendly reception at the church for Hattie.

5. What does the letter from Hattie's uncle Chester say?

6. What are Hattie's two animals like?

7. Who arrives to pick Mattie up in Wolf Point, and why do they spend the night there?

8. What is the first homesteading lesson Hattie learns the next morning as she goes to draw water for her coffee?

9. Describe Hattie's initial plowing efforts.

10. Why do Chase and Mattie not stop in for their customary biscuits at Hattie's one day, and what does Hattie do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "Hattie Big Sky" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Hattie Big Sky"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Hattie Big Sky" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by teen historical fiction--questions that Larson may wish readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Larson's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Larson's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Larson and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Hattie Big Sky" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,203 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample