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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 Addie call her mother's bedroom?

2. Who is Rick?

3. For how long does Addie's mom disappear when Addie is nine?

4. What does Denise say Dwight lacked?

5. What does Soula put on the board in her store?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is everyone happy for Addie and how does Denise suggest they celebrate?

2. Who does Addie meet at the mini-mart and what does the person tell Addie?

3. Why does Denise begin yelling at Dwight when they are talking outside the trailer one day?

4. What happens at Addie's tryout for the orchestra?

5. What were the reactions of Dwight and Grandio when they learned about Denise's disappearance when Addie is nine?

6. What does Addie notice on the newspaper clipping board at the mini-mart one day?

7. What does Dwight promise Addie as he is leaving?

8. Why isn't Addie afraid to be home alone?

9. What does Mommers say when she finally arrives home at 2 a.m.?

10. How does Addie learn about Soula's illness?

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 Leslie Connor.

2. What in Connor's background may have helped her in writing "Waiting for Normal"? 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

Over the course of "Waiting for Normal", Addie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Waiting for Normal" might be considered a slice of Addie's larger story, of her "coming of age." It might be said that this novel is a "bildungsroman" of Addie Schmeeter. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Addie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser young girl. What are the significant events that change Addie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Addie's growth throughout Waiting for Normal, do you think "Waiting for Normal" could be considered Addie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Waiting for Normal" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Addie wants to dislike Hannah, but she can't. She thinks it is unfair that Hannah now has a connection with Dwight and the Littles, a connection that should be hers. She is happy that Dwight has found happiness, but is concerned about being left behind. Addie is also upset when Grandio makes unkind comments about her mother in front of Hannah. Seeing that Dwight, Hannah and the girls have a normal bedtime routine is strange for Addie. She is used to being the person in charge of the girls, which is her usual role in the family. It seems that Addie now has no role and she feels out of place. Hannah clearly tries to give her reassurance by allowing her to change Katie and by laughing about Brynna with her.

1. Discuss the reasons that Addie might want to dislike Hannah. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think Addie's feelings of being left out is normal? Why or why not? Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the ways in which Addie might be affected throughout her life by having to take on too much responsibility as such as young person. Use examples from "Waiting for Normal" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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