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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. Who is the sailor with whom Rifka makes friends on the ship?

2. How does Rifka get to America after the ship is disabled?

3. What is remarkable about Rifka's appearance as as result of her illness?

4. What is the item in #90 made of?

5. The children in the park have fun with Rifka and good-naturedly tease her about __________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What terrible fate does Pieter meet during a big storm while aboard ship?

2. What does this section of the book show about Rifka's burgeoning maturity?

3. Who rescues Rifka when she gets lost while out exploring Antwerp?

4. What are some of the foods that Rifka comes to enjoy in Antwerp?

5. What do Mama and Papa give to Rifka before they leave for the United States and she goes to Belgium?

6. What does Rifka's brief friendship with Pieter mean, and how is she able to move on past his death?

7. What excites Rifka about news in a letter from her parents?

8. What does Rifka save up for to have specially made for herself?

9. Where does Rifka stay when she goes to Belgium?

10. What can Rifka see from her bedroom window in Antwerp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a character sketch of Nathan. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Explain how Rifka's book of Pushkin poetry serves as a powerful metaphor in the story. Be sure to include the perspective on the book both before and after Rifka's arrival in America.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 716 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample