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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what year did the first shopping mall open in Des Moines?
(a) 1965.
(b) 1972.
(c) 1959.
(d) 1945.

2. What was the name of Bryson's elementary school?
(a) Greenwood.
(b) Woodland Heights.
(c) The Baker Academy.
(d) George Washington Elementary.

3. What was the happiest year on record according to the Gallup Organization?
(a) 1957.
(b) 1962.
(c) 1969.
(d) 1949.

4. What was Bryson's parents' response to the Cuban Missile Crisis?
(a) They built an air raid shelter.
(b) Everything would be fine.
(c) They knew they were going to die.
(d) They were cautiously optimistic.

5. Students at the high school became preoccupied with _____________.
(a) marijuana.
(b) smoking.
(c) drinking.
(d) LSD.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what year was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

2. Who was the only former member of the club in #164 who was allowed to remain?

3. What did Bryson's grandparents do in their house on winter nights?

4. What did Bryson love about the town in #122?

5. What was the landscape like in the area where Bryson's grandparents lived?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was Bryson's opinion of staying in Des Moines versus moving to a bigger city?

2. Describe the situation in which Bryson realized he could not trust adults.

3. What did Bryson and his friends do when they went to the movie matinees?

4. What was the recovery process for Bryson's broken leg?

5. What happened to The Thunderbolt Kid's sacred jersey?

6. How did the Bryson family end up staying in a hotel in Harlem?

7. What did Bryson learn about his parents that pleased him and how did this change his views of his real parentage?

8. What were some of the unpleasant issues Americans faced in 1957 even though the Gallup organization claimed it was a very happy year?

9. Describe the Audio Visual Club and why the boys were anxious to join.

10. What was Bryson's job as a boy and how did his absentmindedness become a liability?

(see the answer keys)

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