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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. What excuse does John give for not telling Norton and Dennis that Mr. Pignati wants to donate ten dollars to Lorraine's fake charity?

2. Mr. Pignati's home is _____.

3. Mr. Pignati serves John and Lorraine scungilli, which John describes as _____.

4. When Lorraine first calls Mr. Pignati, she tells him that she's doing what?

5. Kenneth is how many years older than John?

Short Essay Questions

1. What uninvited guest shows up at John's and Lorraine's party?

2. Describe John's relationship with authority figures.

3. What reason does Lorraine give for undertaking the writing project she's working on with John?

4. What does the reader learn about John's feelings after Mr. Pignati dies?

5. What games do John and Lorraine like to play with Mr. Pignati at his house?

6. Do you feel Mr. Pignati is correct to trust John and Lorraine with his house keys?

7. What reason does Lorraine give for John wanting to be an actor?

8. What happens to Mr. Pignati as he chases after John up the stairs on roller skates during a game of tag?

9. Prior to John's and Lorraine's first face to face meeting with Mr. Pignati, is Lorraine eager to meet the man?

10. How does Mr. Pignati receive John and Lorraine at the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Through this story, the author is conveying a larger message about life situations. Supporting your analysis with examples from the book, explain what the author is revealing about:

1. Growing up.

2. Growing old.

3. Trusting others.

4. Cherishing friendships.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Lorraine's mother with John's mother.

1. Which one is the more effective parent?

2. By the end of the book, which pair has the better relationship -- Lorraine and her mother, or John and his mother? Why? Support your answers with specific details from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Through their experiences with Mr. Pignati, the teen characters experience a transformation. What about the primary adults in the story -- do they change or evolve by the end of the book? Answer this question in essay form for the following characters:

1. Lorraine's mother.

2. John's father.

3. John's mother.

(see the answer keys)

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