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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. Lorraine reads a great deal about ________.

2. Mr. Pignati says that his wife is where?

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

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

5. John's father wants him to get a part-time job where?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Lorraine worries that John drinks too much. Why does John start drinking?

3. What games do John and Lorraine like to play with Mr. Pignati at his house?

4. What does John dislike about Miss King, one of his teachers?

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

6. What reason does Lorraine give for undertaking the writing project she's working on with John?

7. How does Lorraine describe John?

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

9. During their first phone conversation, why does Lorraine listen to Mr. Pignati's jokes?

10. Describe Lorraine's relationship with her mother.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain how the author uses Lorraine's narration to foreshadow what happens to Mr. Pignati in the end. Cite specific examples from the book, including omens Lorraine refers to.

Essay Topic 2

1. Compare and contrast the personalities, behavior, attitudes, and outlooks of John and Lorraine. In what ways are these two characters different? How are they similar?

2. What draws them to each other?

3. How do these two complementary characters balance each other? Keep each other grounded? Expand one another's horizons?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolic meaning the author is trying to attach to the the following:

1. Mr. Pignati's extensive pig collection.

2. John's and Lorraine's roller skates.

3. Bobo the baboon.

(see the answer keys)

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