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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. What peculiarity does the nurse point out about the Aunt?

2. How do the grounds at the asylum appear?

3. With whom did Lucinda live at Spiderwick?

4. Where is the Grace's children's father?

5. About what did the creatures from the Fantastical World think Lucinda was lying?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the Grace children do as soon as their mother leaves the room and what does Lucinda say about their house?

2. What does Jared tell his aunt and what is his hope for the guide?

3. What does Jared ask Simon and Mallory if they want to give up and what do they say to that question?

4. What does Mallory ask Jared to do in the kitchen, what does she do when he ignores her and what happens when he finally does her request?

5. What does the asylum look like?

6. What does Jared check his backpack for and how does he feel after he checks it?

7. What does Lucinda snatch away from Simon and then what does she say about the house?

8. What does Lucinda say when Simon asks if Arthur is her father?

9. Why does Lucinda say nothing of the house matters and what surprises Jared about Lucy's mother?

10. What happens when the children give their aunt the cookies they brought?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Whenever reading a science fiction or fantasy novel, one must become familiar with new terminology that explains concepts or technology that is not a part of the "real" world. In the case of Lucinda's Secret, much of the setting is familiar to the reader, though there are new ideas and terms to learn. Discuss the following:

1. Find five terms that are a part of Lucinda's Secret's world that occur in the "real" world but are used differently in Lucinda's Secret's world. Define the words as used in in Lucinda's Secret's world and compare those five words as to how they are currently used in the American English language.

2. There are ways of learning about a new world or time when reading a science fiction or fantasy novel. Discuss the ways you were able to understand the world of Lucinda's Secret. Did you have to look up any words? What does it mean to learn a word through its context? Do you have to do that in Lucinda's Secret? What word(s)?

3. Were there any words you never really understood from Lucinda's Secret? Which ones?

Essay Topic 2

Following the path of their Uncle frustrates Jared when Simon refuses to explain why he appears to be backtracking on the path. Mallory continues to follow without question and when Jared finally tries to ask Simon where they are going, Simon snaps at Jared. While Simon is under a spell, his angry words show that he is sometimes resentful of Jared's need to be in charge all the time and somewhat jealous of Jared who seems to always be able to find a solution to a problem.

1. Why do you think Simon ignoring Jared was frustrating to Jared? Do you think most people become frustrated when they are ignored? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Simon was ignoring Jared because of a spell or did the spell simply cause him to do what he would like to do when he is himself? Do you think Simon resents Jared always trying to be in charge of a situation? Why or why not? Use examples from Lucinda's Secret and your own life to support your answer.

3. If you were under a spell and could say or do anything you want to one of your siblings or good friends, using the spell as an excuse so they wouldn't blame you, what would you do? Why would you do it?

Essay Topic 3

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of magic in Lucinda's Secret. Who possesses magic as an inherent aspect of their nature? Who can wield magic through the use of a tool? What is the difference between the two types of magical usage? Is one more powerful than the other?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why or why not?

3. Which type of magic would you rather possess--that of Thimbletack's magic or the magic the elves wield? Explain your answer.

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