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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. Sidney and his young siblings set out to get help from ____ after Anna's death.

2. Who did Sidney's Dad accompany that lost both legs to frostbite because of walking through less than an inch of sub-freezing water?

3. What did the court give Anna for her very long walk home?

4. Where did Sidney and Jimmy see their first train?

5. James came to what mining camp during the Alaskan Gold Rush?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who helped Sidney build his boat and when was the boat completed, according to Chapter 10, "My First Boat?"

2. Why did Dad send the kids 500 miles away after Anna died?

3. What happened when Anna's step dad came home after the trial?

4. How did Sidney's family escape the flood after they realized it would rise higher than they originally anticipated?

5. What story did Sidney recount about a soldier to convey the hazards of groundwater in sub-freezing temperatures?

6. How did the steamboat passengers help reunite Sidney and his siblings with their dad after Anna died?

7. Why was Jimmy hospitalized for six months in Eklutna?

8. While in Alatna what did Sidney study at school?

9. When did Sidney decide to build a boat according to Chapter 10, "My First Boat," and what did he do?

10. When did the family restrict children to the inside during deep cold and why was a thermometer valuable?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the first few chapters of the book Sidney describes his life in Koyukuk as a young child under the age of six. Explain the challenges Sidney faced at this time in his life, including his mother's death, getting help for his sick dad, and his habit of wandering off at a young age. Also discuss how Sidney deals with each challenge.

Essay Topic 2

Sidney and Jimmy get married more than once. Who are the wives? How do they meet each one? Do they have any kids? Do they stay together? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

What role do sled dogs play in Sidney's life? Why does Sidney think treating his dogs well helped save his life when he has an accident while Jenny is hospitalized? What does Jenny warn Sidney about when he fears a dog that attacked him? How does Sidney's brother Jimmy exhibit his skill in handling sled dogs?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample