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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. Dave pays for Asa to ride the ___________________.

2. What makes it easy for Asa to get new friends?

3. What does Asa do when the balloon bursts?

4. Why does Asa scream while on the ride?

5. What is the name of the poem Asa is to recite with the boy in #65?

Short Essay Questions

1. What helps Asa make new friends in his class?

2. What is the name of the new poem that Asa picks out and what struggle does Asa have with Joel regarding the new poem?

3. How does Asa try to endear Dave to him when they meet?

4. What do Asa and Dave do while Asa's mother talks to Asa's father on the phone?

5. How is Asa introduced to the class, and what is the first project he will work on with other boys?

6. Who is Asa's fourth grade teacher and why does he like her?

7. What does Asa realize when he awakens in the night in the bungalow?

8. How old is Asa since the last story, and what is he doing as the story begins?

9. How does Dave behave with Asa around, and what does Asa's mother do to try to minimize Dave's bad behavior?

10. What things has Asa brought home with him on the last day of school?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of the search for love. Identify at least two instances about the search for love in the book, and then cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Jean. What is her role in the story, "What Hearts"? What was the author trying to accomplish by developing Jean's character in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Asa's relationship with his mother. How does he feel about her even though she has made his life difficult at times? Is the relationship especially difficult because of Asa's mother's mental illness? How does Asa's kindness and forgiveness help define their important bond?

(see the answer keys)

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