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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 has Junior punched in the face at school in Chapter 9: "Grandmother Gives Me Some Advice"?

2. What is the name of Junior's dog that becomes ill in Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"?

3. What is the condition that Junior says he was born with in Chapter 1: "The Black Eye of the Month Club"?

4. What is the name of the school that Junior attends on the reservation in Chapter 4: "Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France"?

5. When does Junior's tribe hold their annual powwow celebration at the reservation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What action does Junior take toward reconciliation with Rowdy in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"?

2. What exchange takes place between Junior and Rowdy in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"? How does Junior feel about this encounter?

3. How does the reservation where Mary has moved to differ from the one where she and Junior grew up?

4. What is Penelope's goal with her costume in Chapter 11: "Halloween"? How does this inspire Junior?

5. How does Junior justify Rowdy's reaction to his announcement in Chapter 7: "Rowdy Sings the Blues"?

6. How does Junior describe his family's financial circumstances in Chapter 2: "Why Chicken Means So Much to Me"?

7. How does Junior describe the changes in how he's perceived around Penelope in Chapter 15: "Hunger Pains"?

8. What leads up to Junior throwing the textbook in Chapter 4: "Because Geometry Is Not a Country Somewhere Near France"?

9. How are Junior and Penelope dressed for Halloween in Chapter 11: "Halloween"?

10. How does Mary describe her circumstances in her email to Junior in Chapter 13: "My Sister Sends Me an E-mail"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the history of the Spokane Indians and the setting of the Spokane Indian Reservation in Washington. How many families live on the Spokane Indian Reservation? What aspects of the history, culture, and beliefs of the Spokane Indians stand out to you? How are these cultural elements displayed in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the history of the Flathead Indian tribes, and the setting of Montana where Mary has moved after marrying. How does Mary describe her new home? What does Mary think of the Indians of Montana? How is this setting different than her home?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the character of Mary Spirit in the novel. How much older is Mary than Junior? How has Junior described Mary’s behavior after high school in the beginning of the novel? What do you think is indicated by Mary’s behavior? What does Mary symbolize to Junior in the narrative?

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