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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. What does Rowdy do when Junior waves at him in Chapter 14: "Thanksgiving"?

2. How is Mr. P injured after Junior accidentally hits him with his geometry book?

3. What does Penelope say she wants to study in college?

4. Junior says of Mary in Chapter 6: "Go Means Go" that she is running away to do what?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What prediction does Junior's grandmother make in Chapter 9: "Grandmother Gives Me Some Advice"?

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

3. Who takes Junior to his first day at the new school in Chapter 8: "How to Fight Monsters"? What conversation do they have as Junior departs?

4. Who leads the violent conflict in Chapter 3: "Revenge Is My Middle Name"? What is the biggest concern about the conflict?

5. How does Junior describe the character of Dawn in Chapter 10: "Tears of a Clown"?

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

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

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

9. How do Junior's parents respond to Junior's decision about school in Chapter 6: "Go Means Go"? What warning do they impart on him?

10. How does Rowdy respond to Junior's confession about Dawn in Chapter 10: "Tears of a Clown"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the character of Grandmother Spirit in the novel. What is Junior’s relationship like with his grandmother? How is Grandmother Spirit viewed by the other members of the community? What can you tell about Junior’s grandmother based on the advice that she gives him in Chapter 9?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss and analyze the conversation between Gordy and Junior in Chapter 18: "Don't Trust Your Computer." What points of view does Gordy put forth in this conversation examining the struggle between individuality and community? How does Gordy describe man’s struggle between these two forces? What historical philosophers have also pondered this question?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the character of Rowdy in the novel. How does Junior describe his best friend? What are Rowdy’s best attributes? How does Rowdy differ from Junior? How does Rowdy’s friendship with Junior change in the story?

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