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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 has killed all the baby phoebes?

2. What does Deanna use, instead of a stamp, on her letter to Nannie?

3. Why does the coyote like Nannie's orchard?

4. Who is coming to visit Garrett, that has him excited?

5. What does Deanna do with Eddie's note?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reasons does Lusa give Jewel for wanting to adopt her children?

2. In Chapter 18, Lusa spends quality time with Crys. What are some things that she finds out about her?

3. What does Garnett tell Nannie is the reason that he will not reach out to his son?

4. What is the "decrease predator - increase prey" concept that Deanna tries to explain to Eddie in Chapter 19?

5. In Chapter 24, what reason does Lusa give Jewel for using every bit of produce from her garden?

6. Why does Deanna think that falling trees will never crush her cabin?

7. In Chapter 17, what remark does Nannie make that causes Garnett to wonder if he may have been responsible for his wife's death?

8. Why is the first cold day a day that Deanna will never forget?

9. In Chapter 16, why is Deanna embarrassed when Jerry brings her supplies?

10. What are some of the ghost experiences in the house that Lusa relates to Crys?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After several conversations with Crys, Lusa concludes that Crys's aunts do not understand her and are doing her more harm than good. Cite three examples from the book that support this. What have they said and done that convinces her of this? What impact has their behavior had on Crys? Does Jewel agree with Lusa?

Essay Topic 2

The Appalachian area is seen, by some, as being "hick" or "backward". Cite three examples from the book that would support this theory. Address regional dialect, stereotypes, and character names.

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of "Prodigal Summer", we see much conflict and very little empathy between the characters. However, as the story progresses, we start to see a shift in this. Cite three examples from the book that demonstrate how the characters are learning to empathize with each other. Address how this empathy is beginning to lessen conflict.

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