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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. After being at the beach, Jeff feels ___________ and at home, as if he had just woken from a deep, long sleep.

2. Over breakfast, ______________ reminds Jeff that he had invited himself to stay, which makes him feel uncomfortable.

3. Melody tells Jeff that _________________ have killed the crabs and the herons who used to live in the marshes.

4. What does Jeff see fly across the island as he is lingering on the island?

5. Jeff continues to ___________ to Melody each and every month, even though she does not reply.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Brother Thomas do when Jeff reveals he has not eaten dinner or breakfast?

2. What does Jeff, a second grader, find when he arrives home from school one early March day?

3. Where does Jeff go before he leaves Charleston after staying with his mother?

4. What does Melody tell Jeff about the river in Charleston when they are out exploring the tow?

5. What does the Professor do when he reads the note that was left for him from Melody?

6. What does Jeff say when Brother Thomas asks Jeff if he will go back to visit Melody the next summer?

7. Why does Jeff feel disappointed about Gambo when he arrives to visit with her?

8. Why does Jeff send Melody a beautiful scarf for Christmas the year after he visits her?

9. What is happening at the house where Melody says that she and Jeff need to stop?

10. What is the picture Melody painted once that made Jeff wake up worried during the night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Professor is a complicated character as well, with hidden emotions and an inability to talk about what he feels at times.

Part 1: Why do you think the Professor was given a name instead of being called 'Dad'?

Part 2: Why do you think it's difficult for the Professor to talk about his feelings?

Part 3: How do you think the Professor feels about Melody leaving him?

Essay Topic 2

The herons factor into the isolation that Jeff seems to feel. When he goes to see them, he sees what loneliness exists in the world.

Part 1: In what ways are the herons and Jeff alike? Why do you say this?

Part 2: In what ways are the herons and Jeff not alike (aside from their species)? Why do you say this?

Part 3: Why do you think Jeff is so drawn to the herons in this story?

Essay Topic 3

In the end, Jeff realizes his mother never did understand the idea of value, though he realizes he can - and does.

Part 1: Why do you think Jeff's mother was so focused on money?

Part 2: Why do you think Melody is as damaged as she is in this story?

Part 3: Do you think there is any hope for Melody to become a supportive parent for Jeff? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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