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. Where is Dreenie sitting while waiting for other kids to arrive?

2. Why does Dreenie sometimes hang back and let Bluish guide her own wheelchair?

3. What does Rita think of the name "Bluish"?

4. Who is Rita that brings the girls cookies?

5. Why is Natalie unsure about accepting the invitation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are Tuli, Dreenie and Bluish doing at Bluish's house?

2. What does Bluish write on a sign she hangs around her neck and how does Dreenie help her with it?

3. What does Mrs. Baker tell the students about Bluish's illness?

4. About what does Bluish speak to the class, what does she give them and how do they respond?

5. What does Dreenie's project group decide upon as their topic and who writes up their agreement and why?

6. How is Dreenie beginning to feel at school and with whom does she have a positive connection?

7. What kind of toy does Bluish present to the class and what does Mrs. Baker say about it?

8. Where does Dreenie invite Bluish and what does Bluish say about the invitation?

9. Who decorated the Christmas tree in the classroom, what does Dreenie think of it and what has been added to the tree besides Christmas decorations?

10. With whom is Dreenie going to work on her project?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Bluish's mom Rita confronts Dreenie and Tuli about what she perceives as Bluish's derogatory nickname. This episode foregrounds the importance of ethnic and cultural identity, with Rita defending her daughter against what, to her mind, is an attack on her heritage.

1. Do you think Bluish's mother was right to feel the way she did about Bluish's nickname from the children? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Why do you think an awareness of one's ethnic and cultural identity is important? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. How does Bluish's mother's idea about her daughter's nickgame illustrate the statement don't assume? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

On the subject of unity, it is also important to note the value of the group dynamic in forging the friendship between the girls. Like a microcosm of the city itself, the girls' group assigns different roles to accomplish a common task, in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

1. How do you think group dynamics can forge bonds between individuals? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Discuss several groups you have been in or seen that are unified in purpose and bonded as friends. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you think is meant by the statement the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Dreenie organizes a surprise for Bluish, paying off the introduction of the knit caps in chapter four by having everyone jump up and don the caps for Bluish. This climactic act is a show of solidarity, an affirmation that the kids are firmly united with Bluish, who must wear the cap to cover her head gone bald from harsh chemotherapy treatments. In essence, the cap wearing is a sign that the children share Bluish's struggle. Bluish, along with Dreenie, have found their sense of place and belonging.

1. How do you think a show of solidarity is helpful to Bluish? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think is it important that everyone feels like they belong to something outside of themselves? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think the entire class getting behind Bluish and accepting her is realistic? Why or why not? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,278 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample