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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. Rifka recalls that her cousins gave her _______________ for her ninth birthday.

2. How old is Rifka on the birthday she spends in Belgium?

3. Why had Uncle Avrum let Hannah take piano lessons?

4. What parting gift does Rifka buy for Sister Katrina?

5. What is the only reason Rifka goes outside in Belgium?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does this section of the book show about Rifka's burgeoning maturity?

2. Where does Rifka stay when she goes to Belgium?

3. What does Rifka's brief friendship with Pieter mean, and how is she able to move on past his death?

4. What are some of the foods that Rifka comes to enjoy in Antwerp?

5. How is Rifka's thirteenth birthday celebrated and what does she recall about a doll she received for her ninth birthday?

6. What are the passengers on board the ship fascinated by as they enter the New York harbor?

7. Who is the young sailor Rifka meets on board the ship?

8. What role does Rifka's Judaism play as a way of staying connected to her family?

9. How does Rifka feel after the storm in which Pieter died?

10. What terrible fate does Pieter meet during a big storm while aboard ship?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author used more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two examples about loss in the book and then explain why the examples support the theme.

Essay Topic 2

Write a character sketch of Mama. Be sure to include both physical and emotional characteristics as well as personal motivations, fears, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the irony of Rifka's beautiful blond hair distracting the guards so that her family can be safe, but how her own life is in jeopardy when she loses her hair from illness.

(see the answer keys)

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