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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. Which word best describes Claire?

2. What does Ingrid leave behind when she sneaks into Barry's house?

3. Who writes to Astrid when she is in the hospital after getting shot?

4. What game does Ray teach Astrid how to play?

5. Who does Astrid always sit with under the bleachers at school when she lives with Ed and Marvel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Starr.

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

6. How has Marvel's racism rubbed off on Astrid?

7. What does Astrid learn by reading Ingrid's journals?

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

9. Describe Astrid's experience in church when she goes with Starr.

10. What makes Astrid feel guilty in church? What does she feel guilty about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ingrid often tells Astrid to embrace her loneliness. Does Astrid take this advice? If so, how? Does Ingrid truly embrace loneliness or is this a cover to hide her true emotions?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Ingrid. What do other characters say about her? Are these things true? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Consider symbolism in the novel, like the symbolism behind the white oleanders. Find three specific instances of symbolism in the novel and explain how it pushes the novel forward or creates a plot point.

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This section contains 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample