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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 Levi been able to do that makes him feel like a sneak?

2. Who does Levi usually meet with to compare homework?

3. How does Levi believe Boaz will get to wherever he goes?

4. Why do Pearl and Levi climb out on the roof?

5. Where does Pearl go to school?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened the night Boaz announces to the family of his intention to join the military?

2. Why is Levi conflicted about attending a party and what does he decide?

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

4. What does Levi say Boaz does on the computer?

5. What does Levi tell Zim and Pearl about Boaz while they are at the yogurt shop?

6. Who is Christine and what does Levi think when he sees her?

7. How does Amanda act about Boaz's upcoming trip?

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

9. What is Levi hoping for concerning the sign in front of his school?

10. How does Pearl try to comfort Levi concerning Boaz?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in The Things a Brother Knows. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme family in The Things a Brother Knows. Consider family as not only those related by blood but also those related by friendship bonds.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Things a Brother Knows and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Things a Brother Knows is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach or stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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