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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 does Johnny think that "bank money is too serious?"

2. What does Wendell Bolton say he gave his mother for Christmas?

3. Steve says his movie will be not a story of his life, but a story of what?

4. In the credits in Chapter 1, Osvaldo Cruz is credited as what?

5. Why does Briggs think it is strange that Evans would have told Wendell Bolton about the stolen goods?

Short Essay Questions

1. In his journal notes for Tuesday, July 7, why does Steve say he needs to keep thinking of the movie?

2. What does Star Wars have to do with the way Steve designs the beginning of his film?

3. What does Mr. Nesbitt look like in the pictures the prosecution passes around to the jury?

4. What is Steve doing when the police come to arrest him and take him away from home?

5. Describe the kind of movie Steve says it feels as if he has stepped into?

6. When does Steve say he feels most involved with his case?

7. When Steve decides to write a movie, what does he say it will be a story of?

8. Why does O'Brien say things are looking bad for Steve's case after Osvaldo's testimony?

9. What does Wendell Bolden look and act like?

10. Why do the charges against Wendell Bolden get dropped?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Life in prison is a big adjustment for Steve, and has a major impact on the way he feels about himself. Describe the details of prison life that most affect Steve, including specific examples from the text. You should include information and analysis on how prison changes Steve and/or does not change him.

Essay Topic 2

One of the most significant players in Steve's life is Kathy O'Brien. Write a character analysis of Kathy O'Brien, explaining who she is, how she behaves, and what her role in this novel is. Be sure to offer specific textual passages showing how this character is developed throughout the novel. You may want to include whether or not Kathy O'Brien's character undergoes any changes, and if so, detail them.

Essay Topic 3

Walter Dean Myers uses film and a screenplay format not only as a narrative mode, but also as a metaphor and symbol in Steve's life. In an analytical essay explaining how film works literally as well as symbolically in this novel, describe the ways in which "film" plays an important role in Steve's life. What are some of the things that characterize the role film plays?

(see the answer keys)

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