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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. How does the warmth of the sun on Jeremiah's skin make him feel?

2. How long has Lois Ann been Jeremiah's neighbor across the street?

3. When had Jeremiah's mother who was a published writer, stop writing?

4. How does Ellie feel about being a loner?

5. Who greets Ellie as she enters her Upper West Side building?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it assumed Jeremiah is placed in the wrong history class?

2. Why does Anne call Ellie?

3. Why does Jeremiah now attend Percy?

4. How does Jeremiah reveal his intelligence in his first day in history class?

5. How does Jeremiah feel now that his parents are separated?

6. How is racism revealed in Ellie's own home in this section (Chapters 6-10)?

7. How does Jeremiah feel about being Black when in his own community?

8. How do Jeremiah and his Brooklyn friends deal with racial issues?

9. How does Ellie respond when her father asks her about the boy from school?

10. What is Carlton's response to Miah when asked about being biracial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This novel is a tragedy much like “Romeo and Juliet” and “West Side Story.” Were you aware of this as you read the novel? Why or why not? Were you surprised when Miah was killed? Why or why not? Are you satisfied with this novel as a modern take on a classic tale? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

It is hinted throughout this book that it is a Romeo and Juliet story. How is If You Come Softly like "Romeo and Juliet?" How is it also different than "Romeo and Juliet?" What is the message of this tragic tale?

Essay Topic 3

Early in the story Miah says he does not fit in, as he is Black but worldly. How does the story reveal that Miah’s father is in much the same way an outsider? What other characters do not fit the typical mold? How does this affect them? How do they deal with this? What is the author’s purpose for creating these unique characters?

(see the answer keys)

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