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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. Why did Kody want to rob the store at that time?

2. Where is Kody when he wakes up after getting injured outside of the store he wants to rob?

3. What is the name of the store that Kody wants to rob?

4. At the end of "The Juvenile Tank, what crime does Kody commit that gets him time in a youth detention center?

5. On the night Kody's daughter is born, who does Kody shoot?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the chapter, "The Juvenile Tank" Kody deals with a lot of violence. How does these events begin to change Kody's thoughts about his gang life?

2. How does Kody's mother continue to show support for her son after he is released from jail and shot in the back?

3. In the chapter "Boys to Men", do Kody demonstrate any remorse his violent actions?

4. What does Kody's mother help him to realize while he is in jail in the chapter, "The War"?

5. Describe Kody's relationship with Tamu.

6. After a fight outside of Western Surplus, Kody is shot. How do you think this will affect his gang activities?

7. Describe Kody's relationship with his mother in the chapter "Boys to Men."

8. Describe the fight scene between Kody, Li'l Hunchy and the men outside of the Western Surplus store.

9. In the chapter, "The Juvenile Tank," Kody is reflective about prison gangs. According to Kody, how does prison strengthen the gang?

10. Describe the circumstances that result in Kody's acquittal after he is arrested for murder in the summer of 1981.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kody leads a tragic life. Explain what is meant by this statement. In your response, be sure to include:

1). One tragic event that supports this statement.

2). One tragic relationship that supports this statement.

Essay Topic 2

Students will write a persuasive essay convincing a sixth grade student (since that was the age when Kody joined the Tray Eights) why he or she should not join a gang. Essay should be written from Kody's point of view and include examples from his life to support the arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Kody's relationship with each of the following women: His mother, China, Tamu, and Nurse Eloise. Be sure to explain how his relationship with his mother, Tamu, and China changed throughout the course of the book.

(see the answer keys)

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