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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 is Grandma's first language?

2. Why does Tony laugh at his last entry?

3. In Chapter 8, what serves as Brent's alarm clock on the beach?

4. What has Jenny's parents tried to put behind them?

5. What does Tony write about his vacation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What effect do her parents' actions concerning their Jewish heritage have on Jenny?

2. What is the shape of Brent's new whirligig? What sits on top? How long does it take to build? What virtue does Brent display while creating the intricate display?

3. Why is it easy for Brent to interact with the children as he builds the whirligig?

4. When the chapter ends, what does Tony do that connects the little boy to his great-grandfather?

5. Emil makes a comment to Brent that his father had told him that teachers live forever through their students. When Brent hears this, what person in his past comes to mind? What do her words mean to Brent at the time she speaks to him? What realization has Emil's sharing brought to Brent?

6. Why does Brent enjoy returning to the Sand Dollar Cafe?

7. What does Brent resolve to do as he reads his star guide book? How is he already accomplishing his goal with the whirligigs?

8. What does Tony tell Mr. Mintz about his summer vacation? How does Mr. Mintz use this information to help Tony?

9. As Brent steps into the hostel's dining hall, he sees a bearded man playing a concertina for the guests. Why does Brent admire this man? What is Brent thinking as he watches the bearded man entertain?

10. About what do the children warn Brent regarding the location of the wooden band whirligig?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Brent and Emil spend a day together just relaxing. Compare/contrast this day with a day potentially spent with Emil before the accident. Include details of their activities for support.

Essay Topic 2

At the beginning of the book, Brent's self-worth is based on material things.

1) Provide details about Brent's behavior that support the above statement.

2) Discuss aspects of Brent's family life which could have precipitated his false value system.

Essay Topic 3

What does Mrs. Zamora hope to gain from Brent's restitution? Has this goal been achieved? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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