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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 nickname does Alex tell Brittany means a white girl in his world?

2. Alex learns that it was ______________ who killed his father.

3. Why is Alex pulled over and arrested on his way home in Chapter 34?

4. Why does Alex get mad at Carlos for spending time with Wil?

5. Brittany's relationship with Colin has always been based on _________________-.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Brittany agree to take her relationship with Alex public?

2. What is the nature of the discussion between Brittany and her parents when they are at Sierra's house?

3. In what way does Hector's behavior serve as foreshadowing for danger for Alex later in the story?

4. Why does Brittany change her mind about talking to Sierra about Alex?

5. What happens to Alex when he leaves Mexico and returns to Illinois?

6. Why does Brittany end up breaking up with Colin?

7. What does Brittany agree to do for Alex at Paco's request in Chapter 46?

8. What are the circumstances in which Paco is killed and Alex is shot?

9. Why does Brittany decide to break up with Alex?

10. Why is Alex arrested on his way home in Chapter 34?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Substance abuse seems to be an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the abuse? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? How does it affect the abusers? How does it affect those impacted by the abusers? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 2

The theme of struggling with personal identity is an important one in this novel. Describe how it extends through setting, character and issues and provide examples for each.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of demographics in the makeup of gangs. What is the racial demographic? What is the age demographic? Why are youths in poverty-level households more susceptible to gang influence?

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