View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of performance does Astrid watch at the hospital?

2. Where do Astrid and Ingrid live when the novel begins?

3. What items does Ingrid destroy when she sneaks into Barry's house?

4. On what day of the week does Astrid get to visit her mom for the first time since she was arrested?

5. How many stitches does Astrid get as a result of her second trip to the emergency room?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Astrid lives with Ed and Marvel, for what reason does Ingrid say that she disowns Astrid?

2. How does Ingrid hurt Astrid when Astrid comes to visit her for the first time in eight months?

3. Describe Olivia Johnstone.

4. Why does Ingrid change so much after she meets and begins dating Barry?

5. Describe the power of books in Astrid's life.

6. Describe the foster home run by Ed and Marvel.

7. How is Astrid helpless when she lives with Amelia?

8. Why is Ingrid so upset that Barry has broken up with her?

9. Why does Astrid avoid talking about Claire in the letters she writes to Ingrid?

10. How does Astrid feel about her biological father? What does she know about him when she lives with Starr?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the ways in which Astrid seeks attention from others. Who does she seek attention from? What in her life may have caused this attention-seeking behavior?

Essay Topic 2

Is Janet Fitch trying to send the reader a message about the foster care system? What message might she be sending?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the character names in the novel. Many of the women's names are unique in comparison to other contemporary names -- Astrid, Ingrid, Marvel. Also consider the men's names and that they are all fairly common -- Ed, Ray, Ron. Do you think there is a meaning behind this? Choose three characters to discuss in relation to their names. Do you think these characters have anything in common with their names? Why do you think they were given these names by the writer?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 848 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample