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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 happens when Addie walks out of school on Valentine's day?

2. What is one thing that Addie gets for Christmas from her minimart friends?

3. How long has Denise been gone?

4. How many reasons does Addie say she has to change her life again?

5. Where does Dwight say he and the Littles have moved?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conversation does Addie overhear the night before she is leaving and how does she feel?

2. What does Addie tell Mommers about the flute and how does Denise respond?

3. What does Denise ask Addie concerning Dwight's house and what is Addie's response?

4. Describe the conversation between Addie and Ms. Rivera.

5. About what does Addie reminisce when she arrives at Grandio's?

6. What is Elliot installing in the mini-mart and what does Soula think of it?

7. How does Addie compare herself to Brynna and what is Dwight's response?

8. Why does Addie back out of playing at the concert?

9. What makes Addie sad when she witnesses Dwight and Hannah putting the Littles to bed?

10. What does Denise say about Addie visiting Grandio and Dwight's family over Thanksgiving?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Waiting for Normal" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if "Waiting for Normal" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Waiting for Normal" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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