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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 did Luis's mother buy him in the memory at the beginning of the book?

2. Why was Luis's father jailed after his parents were married?

3. What do Luis and Rano do with the money they earn at 9 years old?

4. Who does Luis think teachers favor at his high school?

5. What happens the first time Luis begins school in America?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Yuk Yuk and what influence does he has on Luis's life?

2. Why did Rano pick on his brother?

3. What happens when Luis's father gets a better job?

4. Explain how Yuk-Yuk and Luis differ on their feelings about stealing and killing.

5. What happens when the gang goes to a "real beach?"

6. What do Luis and Rano do with their money they earn?

7. How does graffiti show a rift within the gang?

8. What happens to the person who took up the challenge to fight with the whites at the beach?

9. Why is Luis known as "Chin?"

10. What do Luis's early memories reveal about his feelings toward his father?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the character of Chente, and compare and contrast Luis's life to his. How do you think Luis feels he compares to someone like Chente?

Essay Topic 2

What does Yuk-Yuk teach Luis about stealing? And why is stealing more attractive to Luis than the menial jobs he took at 9 years-old to help support the family?

Essay Topic 3

How does the struggle of people in the neighborhood and Luis's family's own struggle to fit in in America impact Luis's joining the club or gang? What is he seeking?

(see the answer keys)

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