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. What is the real reason Nyle declines Muncie's invitation?

2. What does Ezra do when Nyla introduces herself?

3. What does Muncie invite Nyle to do?

4. What does Nyle ask Gran?

5. What does Nyla notice about Ezra when she enters his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nyle's attempts to scare the neighbor's dog, Tyrus, away from the sheep. Why does Nyle want Tyrus to get off her property?

2. How does the emotion of anger appear in this chapter?

3. What emotion is Nyle experiencing and what is Gran's advice about the emotion? Do you think it is wise advice?

4. Of what is the open curtain symbolic?

5. What is the first sign of hope that Ezra shows?

6. What do the girls do in Radio Shack and why is that ironic?

7. What do you think Ezra means when he says he feels like a phoenix?

8. What are the girls studying in their English class that is a major theme of this book?

9. What does Mrs. Haskins assign her students to do and do you think this is mixing education with politics?

10. Contrast the back room how it was used when Nyle is small versus in the story now.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In chapter 3, Mr. Sobel, the science teacher, informs the students all about radioactive materials. Nyle reflects on how much better science class was when it was just text in a book and not material that the children experienced firsthand. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. What is ironic about Mr. Sobel's science lesson? Do you think the irony is humorous or tragic? Why?

2. We have all heard the statement, "learn by experience." Now it is apparent there are times when that's not the best way to learn. When is learning by experience helpful? When can it be harmful? How does Ezra learn by experience in a harmful way? In a helpful way (see chapter 21)?

3. Which type of learning do you prefer--hands on or book learning? Why?

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 2, Nyle states that she is not going to make friends with a dead boy. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed essay using specific examples and details:

1. Why do you think Nyle says that she is not going to make friends with a dead boy? Is she that heartless, or does she actually have a huge heart? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from the book.

2. How is Ezra similarly vulnerable as far as loving and losing as Nyle is? Does he respond in a similar fashion to Nyle to the idea of loss? Or different? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from the book.

3. How do you respond to loss of something/someone you love? Or have you lost a loved one? What is the most difficult thing about loss? Elaborate on your answer using specific examples from your life experiences.

Essay Topic 3

In chapter 15, Nyle brings up the idea of Mrs. Trent and Ezra staying on after Ezra is well. Gran tells her that it is important for them to make a fresh start, and in order to do so, Mrs. Trent and Ezra need to leave. Answer the following questions by writing a cohesive essay using specific examples and details to illustrate your stance.

1. Do you think Mrs. Trent and Ezra would be unable to heal emotionally from the accident if they continue to live in the area? Why or why not?

2. This small act of letting go that Nyle does in chapter 15 is a prelude to a much greater act of letting go that Nyle must do in chapter 29. What happens that helps Nyle mature to the point that she learns to let go? Give some examples of her maturing process between chapters 15 and 29.

3. At this point in the story, it seems possible that Ezra will heal completely and be able to start a new life elsewhere. Knowing how so much of what happens in this chapter and the next 10 or so chapters, points to a complete recovery, how hard is it for you, the reader, to also "let go" and accept that Ezra dies? Do you feel tricked or cheated?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,616 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample