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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. Who tells Seth that Grandma is very sad about Matant Margaret's death?

2. What are Chantal and Jean-Claude doing when Seth arrives home from Mrs. Fabiyi's?

3. Which of the following best describes the state of Mrs. Fabiyi's home?

4. What did Matant Margaret always do with the money she made in America?

5. What does Samona want to bring to Mrs. Fabiyi during the visit?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Reggie, and why does his relationship with Jean-Claude make Seth nervous?

2. What is Seth's first impression of Samona when she joins his class in the third grade?

3. How does Seth get out of attending the church service with his family?

4. Why do Seth and Samona pity Bessie Armstrong?

5. What memories about Matant Margaret does Seth recall at her wake?

6. How does Samona prepare for the beauty pageant while she is at school?

7. What happens when Chantal volunteers to bring food over the the Gemini home with Seth?

8. How does Seth save Samona from her stage fright?

9. How do the Michelin parents punish their children for all the antics they've been involved with over the past few weeks?

10. How does Jean-Claude act directly after his fight with Chantal, which worries his brother?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The turning point in Seth's relationship with Samona happens during the beauty pageant. First, explain how Seth felt about Samona leading up to the pageant. Then, explain how Seth came to Samona's rescue when she froze on stage during the pageant. Finally, explain how the beauty pageant altered the way Seth viewed his best friend, and how their relationship changed at the end of the novel

Essay Topic 2

Mrs. Gemini has a very unique way of parenting her children. First, describe Mrs. Gemini's character as she was described in the novel. Then, give one example of a time Mrs. Gemini made a poor decision within her household. How did this decision affect her children? What seems more important to Mrs. Gemini, her artwork or her children? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 3

Gang violence plays a large role in the neighborhood where Seth and Samona grow up. Describe the ways Anthony's life has been altered by gang violence. Then, compare / contrast Anthony's experience with gang violence with Reggie's experience with gang violence. What is the same about their life in gangs? What is different?

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