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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 does Hattie go through Chester's trunk again?

2. What has to be done for Charlotte?

3. With what is Hattie threatened when she voices her concern about a pledge?

4. What makes preparing a meal difficult for Hattie?

5. What is the situation like when Hattie goes over to the Mueller house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Elmer Ren while Hattie and Leafie are visiting?

2. How does Hattie help Mr. Ebgard?

3. What epidemic strikes the area where Hattie lives and what does Leafie do?

4. What are Hattie and Perilee working on as Perilee waits to deliver her baby, and what does Perilee promise?

5. Why does Traft say about the fire in Hattie's barn when he comes by to see her after the July 4th picnic?

6. What happens when Hattie goes to visit Perilee?

7. How does Hattie have to go into more debt because of the savings stamp drive?

8. What does Hattie think about after witnessing events at the Ren homestead?

9. Why does Karl come to Hattie's late one night, and what does Hattie do?

10. How does Traft explain the fact that he has not yet been drafted into the military?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Kirby Larson.

2. What in Kirby Larson's background may have helped her in writing "Hattie Big Sky"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Hattie Big Sky" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and judge if "Hattie Big Sky" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Hattie Big Sky" a successful novel? What about teens?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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