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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 Boaz read up on stage?

2. What does Levi realize when he sees his mother crying at the school sign?

3. Why is Boaz irritated at Levi after Dov calls?

4. What does Zim give Levi for Levi's birthday?

5. What happened once when Boaz was riding in a Humvee?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when a Toyota truck goes speeding by Boaz and Levi as they are walking?

2. Who arrives just as Levi is wondering about her and what does she decide to do?

3. What does Celine say to Levi about her brother?

4. What does Boaz say about why he walks?

5. Who do Pearl and Levi go to see in Poughkeepsie and how does Levi know they are at the right place?

6. Why does Levi sneak a call to Pearl and what does he learn?

7. Where does Levi go when he splits off from Jack and Boaz and who does he meet?

8. What happens when Levi is out jogging and finds his mother?

9. How does Boaz act towards Levi at dinner after Levi confronts Boaz and what happens the next morning?

10. Why have Zim and Pearl shown up at the motel room in Philadelphia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Dana Reinhardt.

2. What in Reinhardt's background may have helped her in writing The Things a Brother Knows? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Adjusting to life as a civilian is difficult for Boaz. He stays in his room and sleeps, but he is probably just avoiding talking about his experience. He's not ready to discuss it yet. But his silence, just like his military service, is impacting the family. His mother is worried, but keeps reminding herself that at least he's home. Abba doesn't understand why his son is isolating himself and isn't just his old self. Levi is confused and hurt. Boaz's apparent depression is making Levi feel guilty.

1. Discuss why adjusting to civilian life might be difficult for Boaz. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

2. How do you think Boaz's silence is affecting his family? Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

3. Compare Boaz's parents reactions to his behavior and why you think his mother and father are reacting differently. Use examples from The Things a Brother Knows and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven or vise versa. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not?

5. What type of plot do you think The Things a Brother Knows is? Explain your response.

(see the answer keys)

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