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. Why can the drivers of the robbed truck not identify the robbers?

2. What room does Julio use for a darkroom?

3. Whose last name is not given in the newspaper article?

4. Why is Uncle Julio upset when he reads the column about the boys?

5. What nationality are Mr. Kanzaki and Mr. Inouye?

Short Essay Questions

1. What job does Uncle Julio take Hector and Mando along to see?

2. What does the Denny's restaurant signify to Hector and Mando regarding their loss of innocence?

3. What nationality are Mr. Kanzaki and Mr. Inouye and why are they important to the story?

4. Describe the robbers.

5. Why are the photos of the burning truck an instance of foreshadowing for the story?

6. Who is Vicky and why does she spend some time with Hector and Mando?

7. What does the author reveal about the unfortunate home lives of Hector, Mando and Julio?

8. How do Freddie and Huey find out where to find Julio and the boys?

9. What stereotypes of the Latin household does the author present?

10. Who are Hector and Mando and why have they taken a train to Fresno, California?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of integrity. Identify at least two instances about integrity in the book and then cite examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the overall setting for the story. Why does the author use the setting he does? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the characters?

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Mando. What did he look like? What were his positive personality traits? What were his dreams and fears? What was most valuable to him in his world?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,104 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample