View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The narrator of "Water Booger Bears" says in the first sentence that "This story was going to being like all the best stories" (xii). How was it going to begin, but no one saw it happen?

2. Who is Bit's mother?

3. How many houses are there on each block as Fatima walks home in "How to Look (Both) Both Ways"?

4. What is Fatima's last name said to be in "How to Look (Both) Both Ways"?

5. Who was chasing Simeon Cross down the hallway when school let out in "How to Look (Both) Both Ways"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a red herring and how does this apply in “The Low Cuts Strike Again”?

2. How is irony applicable to the character of Bit in “The Low Cuts Strike Again”?

3. Where do the Low Cuts go to sell their candy? How much money do they make?

4. What are some of the examples of bullying seen in "Skitter Hitter"?

5. What is the meaning of the title of “Water Booger Bears”?

6. How is the narrative structure of “How to Look (Both) Both Ways” different than the other stories in the collection?

7. How did the Low Cuts come together as a group?

8. Why has Jasmine Jordan been away from school in “Water Booger Bears”? For how long has she been away?

9. What does Stevie ultimately confess to his mother in "Skitter Hitter"? How does she react?

10. How is Stevie corralled into the event that involves Pia in "Skitter Hitter"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of irony in “Satchmo's Master Plan.” How is situational irony employed? What is ironic about Satchmo's mother's occupation and actions in the story? How does irony apply in the story's ending?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the interaction between Stevie and Pia in "Skitter Hitter." Why does the narrator indicate that their meeting might have been different? What happens between these characters in the end of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the characters of Gregory Pitts and his friends in “How a Boy Can Become a Grease Fire." What is the most notable thing about Gregory? Are Gregory's friends true allies? How is their friendship demonstrated in the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample