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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 Phoebe say when she shows Mick's helmet to the people at the assembly?

2. When does Phoebe call Zoe for a second time in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano"?

3. What does Phoebe compare her mother to in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano"?

4. In "Getting a Grip", what does Phoebe say people call someone after they die?

5. Why does Phoebe touch her mother's hair in "Getting a Grip"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Zoe call someone a moron in "Dogs Can Laugh in Heaven"?

2. Why does Phoebe enjoy hearing people laugh at Mick's memorial service?

3. How does Nana help Phoebe's family begin eating in the kitchen again?

4. Why does talking to Mrs. Berryhill upset Phoebe in "Dogs Can Laugh in Heaven"?

5. What makes Mick decide to be cremated?

6. What does Phoebe say about the dangerous intersection in "Common Sense and Good Judgment"?

7. How does Phoebe rebel in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano"?

8. What does Phoebe's father say about the dangerous intersection in "Common Sense and Good Judgment"?

9. What does Phoebe do at the bike safety assembly?

10. How does Phoebe feel before attending Mick's memorial service?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is this novel a commentary on family? Consider Phoebe's family as well as Zoe's family. Also, how do non-related families (school, community, friends) work within this commentary?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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