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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. Where does Phoebe say Mick's bow tie came from?

2. What type of funeral service does Phoebe's mother say she wants?

3. In "Tap Dancing on God's Piano", why can't Phoebe picture Mick anymore?

4. Where does Phoebe lie down after returning home from school in "Dogs Can Laugh in Heaven"?

5. What takes up the most time at Mick's memorial service?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Zoe tell Phoebe in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano" that makes Phoebe feel better about Mick after his death?

3. What does Phoebe say to the mail carrier in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano"?

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

5. How does Phoebe feel about returning to school after Mick's death?

6. Why is Phoebe confused about God in "Tap Dancing on God's Piano"?

7. What makes Mick decide to be cremated?

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

9. What does Phoebe dream in "Dogs Can Laugh in Heaven"?

10. How does Phoebe react when she is first asked to take part in the bike safety assembly?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Phoebe's parents remain unnamed throughout the novel. Consider why they may never be named. How does this affect the development of Phoebe and her grief? How does it develop their own grief? Why might these characters never be named?

Essay Topic 2

Trace the development of Phoebe's relationship with her mother. Consider their relationship before Mick's death as well. What major events change their relationship? How do they relate to each other at the end of this novel?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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