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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. John says that Miss King tries to what?

2. Lorraine says that John's father is proud of ripping off:

3. Why is Lorraine hesitant to meet Mr. Pignati face to face?

4. What does Lorraine not allow John to write in their book?

5. What does Mr. Pignati buy Lorraine and John at the zoo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What quality above all others does John like about Mr. Pignati?

2. What does Mr. Pignati purchase for Lorraine and John at Beekman's?

3. Describe how and when Lorraine and John first meet.

4. What brings about Mr. Pignati's death?

5. How does John feel about the way the world treats older people?

6. Why does Lorraine feel a sense of compassion for her mother?

7. Explain how John and Lorraine end up having their first kiss.

8. Describe telephone marathon, the game John and Lorraine play with a couple of their friends.

9. Describe John's impression of Mr. Pignati upon meeting the man for the first time.

10. What happens to Mr. Pignati as he chases after John up the stairs on roller skates during a game of tag?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast how John and Lorraine deal with the grief and loss they experience.

Essay Topic 2

Through this story, the author is conveying a larger message about life situations. Supporting your analysis with examples from the book, explain what the author is revealing about:

1. Growing up.

2. Growing old.

3. Trusting others.

4. Cherishing friendships.

Essay Topic 3

Is Mr. Pignati the hero in this story? Why or why not? Do you attribute heroism to any other character(s) in this book?

(see the answer keys)

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