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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. Why are there fly swatters in Mick's room?

2. In "Sirens", why does Mick want Phoebe to ride his bike home?

3. Why does Phoebe say she used to be Mick's translator when he was younger?

4. Why does Phoebe hang up on Zoe in "Treasures"?

5. Why does Phoebe say her stomach started to "churn" while watching the ambulance?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Phoebe react when she sees Mick's bike in the street in "Sirens"?

2. In "The Serengeti Sucks", what does Phoebe say she realizes about her family?

3. Why doesn't Phoebe like riding her bike to school?

4. Why does Mick love being considered a "surprise"?

5. Why does Phoebe hang up on some people when they call after Mick's death?

6. What happens when Phoebe visits the location of Mick's accident in "Treasures"?

7. In "Mick", what is the first big "caper" Phoebe describes?

8. What does Phoebe do first when she goes home after learning of Mick's death?

9. In "Sirens", what happens at Phoebe's soccer practice?

10. What do Mick and Phoebe argue about the morning of Mick's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What commentary on the role of school does the author provide? How does school affect Phoebe and her grieving process? What other roles does Phoebe's school play in this novel? What makes school a positive influence? What makes school a controlling institution?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the theme of guilt in "Mick Harte Was Here". Consider Phoebe's guilt, along with the guilt of other characters. How does guilt motivate? How does guilt drive the plot? How is guilt resolved in the end of this novel? What does the author reveal about guilt?

Essay Topic 3

How does the author use humor throughout this novel and within Phoebe's narration? What is the effect of this use of humor? How does this technique fit in, or not fit in, with the greater themes at work in "Mick Harte Was Here"?

(see the answer keys)

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