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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. Of what University is the University School where Ms. Hussey teaches associated?

2. What does Petra decide she wants to do after reading "Lo!"?

3. What is the weather like at the opening of the novel?

4. When does Vermeer paint "A Lady Writing"?

5. How has reading Fort helping Calder and Petra?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ms. Hussey's assignment, and what is Calder's first response to the assignment?

2. What does the letter published by the Chicago Tribune state?

3. What is significant about M & M's?

4. What do Petra and Calder do additional study on and what does Petra learn about the woman in her dream?

5. How are clues related to the story?

6. How do Petra and Calder's families differ?

7. What is Ms. Hussey teaching her students, and where is she teaching?

8. Who are Calder and Petra, and how do they differ?

9. What do Petra and Calder do to try to make sense of everything that's been happening?

10. What sort of books has Ms. Hussey chosen in Powell's Bookstore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Blue Balliett.

2. What in Balliett's background may have helped her in writing Chasing Vermeer? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 2

The art information given in Chapter 3 encourages young readers to be interested in art and its connection to literature. This chapter is an example of teaching across curriculum and how various school subjects are related. Ms. Hussey gives the students a quote by Picasso regarding how are tells a lie but also tells the truth.

1. Discuss the ways in which art and history are connected. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Explain what is meant by teaching across curriculum. Use examples from "Chasing Vermeer" and your own life to support your answer.

3. Choose one of the following pairs of school subjects and explain, in detail, how they are connected in real life. Math/English; Science/History; Art/Social Studies or Math/Music.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Chasing Vermeer" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Chasing Vermeer" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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