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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 23, what was Kaori's first word?

2. Who does Chet see in the woods in Chapter 18?

3. What is one of Chet's father's favorite expressions that Chet remembers in Chapter 29?

4. What language does Valencia want to learn?

5. Which of the following did Valencia learn never to do to a snake?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one thing Lola says to Valencia when Valencia knocks on her door that endears her to Valencia?

2. In Chapter 32, what does Ruby urge Virgil to do one last time before he can sleep for a while in the well?

3. In Chapter 20, what does Virgil do in the well that surprises even himself?

4. In Chapter 25, who begins speaking to Virgil in the well, and why?

5. How does Valencia react to Gen's questions about her hearing aids and deafness in Chapter 31?

6. In Chapter 30, what does Chet think about the task of convincing his parents to let him keep a snake if he catches one?

7. In Chapter 31, what objects does Kaori tell Gen and Valencia she thinks they need to conduct the ceremony she hopes will help them find Virgil?

8. In Chapter 19, why do Valencia's parents think she does not need to learn sign language?

9. What happens to Chet in Chapter 30 when he actually does find a snake in the woods?

10. In Chapter 19, what do Valencia's parents misunderstand about her feelings about being abandoned by her friends?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay analyzing the sibling relationship between Kaori and Gen. In which instances in the book does Kaori demonstrate her affection and love for Gen, despite the fact that she often condescends her little sister and seems to find her irritating?

Essay Topic 2

In Chapter 31, what significant choice does Valencia make that endears her to Kaori and makes Kaori realize Valencia might be a loyal and interesting friend to have? Write an essay explaining your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Which characters in the book does Valencia identify as being particularly mindful of her "How-tos," or her simple set of three rules for making it easier for her to understand what people are saying to her? What does it mean to Valencia when people respect her request and make an effort to try to communicate effectively with her?

(see the answer keys)

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