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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 does Amanda go in to talk to the principal at Levi's school?

2. Why does Boaz come downstairs?

3. Where does Pearl go to school?

4. Why is Levi thrilled about Boaz?

5. How is Levi surprised when he goes into Boaz's room?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Levi observe when he goes into Boaz's room to help Boaz with his broken computer?

2. How long does Boaz stay in his room and what does Levi say to Zim's desire to see Boaz?

3. Describe the conversation between Dov and Levi about Boaz.

4. What is Boaz's response to Dov wanting to take the boys out to eat?

5. What happens when Amanda spots the sign honoring Boaz?

6. Who is Zim and what does he have in common with Levi?

7. Who comes to spend Shabbat with Levi's family and what is he like?

8. What does Zim say to Levi's statement about Boaz and how does Levi respond?

9. What happens as Boaz and Christina return from a walk?

10. What sort of noises does Levi hear coming from Boaz's room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an important part of what makes The Things a Brother Knows interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Levi. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Boaz. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Amanda. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Things a Brother Knows is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Dana Reinhardt.

2. What in Reinhardt's background may have helped her in writing The Things a Brother Knows? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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