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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 8, what serves as Brent's alarm clock on the beach?
(a) A mosquito buzzing in his ear.
(b) A fisherman walking past him.
(c) Children playing in the sand.
(d) The waves crashing.

2. Why does Tony scratch under his shirt at the end of Chapter 6?
(a) He always feels itchy when he writes in class.
(b) He is signaling his friend to pass a note.
(c) He is feeding a cord down his sleeve.
(d) He is still recovering from poison ivy.

3. What does Brent realize about the song which he teaches himself to play?
(a) It is a very difficult song to play.
(b) It is a cheerful song.
(c) It is a lonely song.
(d) It is a lament.

4. What is the temperature that is displayed on the sign outside the station?
(a) 109 degrees.
(b) 32 degrees.
(c) 98 degrees.
(d) 75 degrees.

5. Who visits while Brent is making the wooden band whirligig?
(a) Seven or eight grammar-school-age children.
(b) A beachcomber.
(c) Trish.
(d) A minister.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Brent like being in Texas?

2. Why is Brent filled with envy when he enters the dining room?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 7, who is annoying Brent?

4. Why does Jenny not want to drive Grandma anywhere?

5. What does Brent resolve as he is studying during his breaks.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tony tell Mr. Mintz about his summer vacation? How does Mr. Mintz use this information to help Tony?

2. How is dinner at the hostel different from Brent's dinner at home with his parents?

3. What does Tony finally write in his journal? What does he do to emphasize the truth in his entry?

4. Up until this point in his life, Brent has never had any interests other than looking cool. What new interests are now filling Brent's spare time? What role models have helped him establish these other interests?

5. Why is it easy for Brent to interact with the children as he builds the whirligig?

6. When the chapter ends, what does Tony do that connects the little boy to his great-grandfather?

7. What effect do her parents' actions concerning their Jewish heritage have on Jenny?

8. What are some of Jenny's parents' actions that lead them away from their Jewish heritage? Why do they try to forget their roots?

9. What does Grandma know at the beginning of the journey that Jenny does not know? What makes the ride even more poignant with Jenny?

10. How does the boy's interest in the whirligig affect Brent?

(see the answer keys)

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