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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. How many town people sign up for the lending library on the first day?

2. What does Florence use to dry the tears of the child in the schoolyard?

3. Who is crying in the schoolyard?

4. How old is the "Old House?"

5. Who buys a new van to drive to Liverpool Street Station?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Florence not hosting a grand opening for The Old House Bookshop?

2. Why is Mr. Gill's letter, in a sense, threatening to Florence?

3. What statement does Mr. Keble make that is an insult to Florence Green's intelligence? How does she react?

4. Why are the guests not expressing their true feelings about an arts centre to Mrs. Gamart?

5. Why is the current book mobile not acceptable to avid readers?

6. Briefly describe Christine Gipping.

7. What happens during "ten minutes on a Tuesday morning the the end of March?"

8. The heron and the eel are in a struggle for survival in mid-air. How does this struggle relate to Florence Green's inner conflict?

9. Why does Mr. Gill elaborate about his connection to Violet Gamart in his letter to Florence?

10. Why is Ivy Welford distraught when she looks over the shop's ledger at the end of Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Chapter 1, after seeing the heron and the eel struggle, Florence Green makes a mental note that both of the creatures seemed as if they had "taken on too much." Compare or contrast her observation with the reality of her experience in the Old House.

Essay Topic 2

A main theme in The Book Shop is change. Which character changes most throughout the story? Which character changes least? Give specific details.

Essay Topic 3

Explain how Milo North has been Florence's adversary from the beginning of the story. Have his actions been purposefully directed at Florence, or are they simply by-products of his toxic personality?

(see the answer keys)

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