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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 does Maniac do as a feat with the freight train?

2. How does Mars Bar know that Maniac was not afraid at the trolley incident?

3. What legendary feat does Mars Bar perform for the Pickwell children?

4. What does the trolley remind Maniac of?

5. What method does Maniac use to try to keep Russell and Piper in school after he came back to the McNabs'?

Short Essay Questions

1. What kind of a home do the McNabs live in?

2. What precious gift does Grayson give to Maniac for Christmas and how does it affect Maniac?

3. Why does Maniac take Mars Bar to the Pickwells?

4. What relationships have been solidified by the end of the novel?

5. What part of the day does Maniac enjoy the most and why now that June was on its way?

6. In January, after Grayson's death, where does Maniac live and how does he take care of himself?

7. What happens to Russell and why can't Maniac save him?

8. How does Maniac manipulate Russell and Piper and how do they manipulate Maniac?

9. What tale does Mars Bar tell Maniac about Russell?

10. How do the McNabs show their true prejudice during Piper's birthday party?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Maniac truly searching for for himself? How is this search a theme of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Jerry Spinelli give the character of Maniac such incredible athletic abilities even though he is not an athlete?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the protagonist of the story. Why is this character the protagonist? What is the character trying to accomplish? Who is the antagonist? Why is this antagonist trying to stop the protagonist from accomplishing his/her goal?

(see the answer keys)

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