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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. For what will the person in question #92 use what fell out of Russell's pocket?

2. What does Mrs. Bruning give Debbie?

3. What type of music does Hector's song resemble?

4. What were the two conversation subjects Hector asked Debbie about while sitting on the curb?

5. Who has a locker next to Debbie?

Short Essay Questions

1. What subject does Peter's father approach with Mrs. Bruning and what is her response?

2. What is Lenny doing in Chapter 22 while Debbie is in the backyard reading and what saddens him when he goes into his house and comes back out?

3. With what is Lenny helping his father in Chapter 16, and what is Debbie doing when she overhears them?

4. What does Debbie think of Dan Persik?

5. What happens when Debbie comes to Mrs. Bruning's house on Saturday immediately after Mrs. Bruning awakens?

6. What does Peter call his grandmother and why is he at her house?

7. What does Hector do while waiting for the fireworks?

8. What are Debbie and Patty doing while looking at the yearbook and what is Debbie thinking about when she looks at her own picture in the yearbook?

9. What does Debbie hear her mother telling a friend about Debbie's upcoming summer?

10. What is Mrs. Bruning's response about Debbie, and what does Mrs. Bruning give Debbie?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Debbie matures and grows throughout the book.

1. What do you think might be some of the reasons Debbie is maturing? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think Debbie's maturity shown in the book is unrealistic in the short amount of time period the book covers? Why or why not?

3. Discuss the ways that Debbie shows changes in her maturity in the book.

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Criss Cross", Debbie grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Criss Cross" might be considered a slice of Debbie's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that the book is a "bildungsroman" of Debbie. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Debbie as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, older teen. What are the significant events that change Debbie?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Debbie's growth throughout the book, do you think "Criss Cross" could be considered Debbie's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Criss Cross" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "Criss Cross" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1, and then judge if "Criss Cross" is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "Criss Cross" a successful novel? What about young teens?

(see the answer keys)

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