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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, most farms in Cuba had been what type of farms?
(a) Alfalfa.
(b) Cattle.
(c) Sugarcane.
(d) Rice.

2. Then narrator describes the fast-approaching tanker heading toward Isabel's boat as eventually getting so loud that it sounds like a what?
(a) A tornado.
(b) A stream of freeway traffic.
(c) A jet engine.
(d) A hurricane.

3. When the narrative rejoins Josef in 1939, each member of the family is now wearing what item?
(a) A Star of David tattoo.
(b) A prisoner number placard.
(c) A red jacket.
(d) A Star of David armband.

4. When Isabel pleads with Lito not to turn back for Cuba, what reason does she cite above all others?
(a) That they will all be arrested.
(b) That Ivan will be arrested.
(c) That her grandfather will be arrested.
(d) That her father will be arrested.

5. The Nazis who storm Josef's family's home are never depicted directly by the author. Instead, what word is used to refer to them throughout the scene?
(a) Mummies.
(b) Shadows.
(c) Robots.
(d) Zombies.

Short Answer Questions

1. What item does Josef buy when he sneaks into the dining car?

2. For what reason has Josef's family recently moved to a smaller apartment in Berlin upon the opening of the novel?

3. When Josef overhears two stewards talking about racing other boats to Cuba, how many other boats do they say are traveling their route?

4. Isabel's grandfather Lito makes her angry on the boat by telling her that her father is a what?

5. When Señor Castillo asks Isabel's father what he wants to do when he gets to America, what is Isabel's father's reply?

Short Essay Questions

1. Of everyone in Mahmoud's family, who comes the closest to losing his or her life when the apartment is hit by a missile?

2. What qualities of Senor Castillo's lead to his role as the leader on the boat?

3. When Isabel and Ivan are incredulous that Lito had had many chances to leave Cuba over the years and had not done so, what reasons does Lito give for not leaving?

4. What does Mahmoud buy for his little brother Waleed at a shop in the Turkish refugee camp and what does he hope to achieve with his purchase?

5. Why do Josef and the other kids on the ship tour become uneasy when they hear some members of the crew singing "The Horst Wessel Song" (95)?

6. What happens the first two times Isabel's father tries to journey to America from Cuba?

7. Why does Isabel feel awe in response to the riots in Cuba in addition to fear?

8. How does Josef view the difference between life on the ship above decks and life on the ship below decks?

9. How is Isabel's kitten used by the author to send a message about hunger and fear?

10. How does Josef feel about invisibility?

(see the answer keys)

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