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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. While his parents criticize him for not being more like his brother Kenneth, John blames his latest prank on _____.

2. When Lorraine tells John about the bad omens at the zoo, what does he do?

3. Mr. Pignati serves John and Lorraine scungilli, which John describes as _____.

4. After their first face to face meeting with Mr. Pignati, why does John feel that he and Lorraine should accompany the man to the zoo?

5. Lorraine talks about an entire book report John writes based on just ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do John and Lorraine call Miss Reillen, the librarian, "the Cricket"?

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

3. Describe what Lorraine, John, and their friends do at the cemetery.

4. How do John and Lorraine treat each other right after Mr. Pignati is taken to the hospital?

5. What does the reader learn about John's feelings after Mr. Pignati dies?

6. What uninvited guest shows up at John's and Lorraine's party?

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

8. What do Lorraine and a friend, Helen, do at the party at Mr. Pignati's house?

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

10. What reason does Lorraine give for John wanting to be an actor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several minor characters serve important roles in the book. Describe the relevance of the following characters:

1. Norton, friend of John and Lorraine.

2. Conchetta, Mr. Pignati's deceased wife.

3. Kenneth, John's brother.

Essay Topic 2

Through their experiences with Mr. Pignati, the teen characters experience a transformation. What about the primary adults in the story -- do they change or evolve by the end of the book? Answer this question in essay form for the following characters:

1. Lorraine's mother.

2. John's father.

3. John's mother.

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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