Big Joe’s Funeral

1. Which of the following helps you understand the meaning of the word “hearse” in paragraph 18?a) which carried the coffinb) I was going to get to ride in onec) the Unity Funeral Homed) live people having funerals

2. From the information in the story, the reader can best conclude that –a) the people from the neighborhood are happy that Big Joe is deadb) Big Joe is not a good match for Peaches’ mother, Sadiec) Peaches probably takes death seriously because of her fatherd) Big Joe is wasteful of his money

3. Which of the following represents the mood of the story?a) angryb) dramaticc) tragicd) playful

4. Which sentence from the story best shows how Peaches feels about Big Joe’s funeral?a) Peaches should mind her business.b) Maybe her being a widow was what made her touchy.c) If he’s going to be a good husband what’s he doing going around acting stupid?d) When we got outside, the hearse and the limousines were waiting, and so was Peaches.

5. Which is the best summary of the story?a) Peaches’ soon-to-be stepfather is immature and decides to fake his own death. Peaches does everything she can

to stop the funeral, including letting everyone know Big Joe is alive and playing loud music at the cemetery. She does not approve of what Big Joe is doing and thinks that he is too irresponsible for her mother.

b) Big Joe, a local restaurant owner, decides to throw a funeral for himself, just for fun. His girlfriend’s daughter, Peaches, disapproves and tries to ruin the funeral with signs and loud music, even though the rest of the neighborhood seems to be having a good time. The cops also try to interfere, but in the end, nothing can stop Big Joe’s celebration.

c) The cops are called to Harlem during the funeral of Big Joe, a local restaurant owner. They think that the funeral is fake and that there are drugs in the coffin. They search everyone and try to break up the funeral, but must leave when they are called to 145th street to arrest a man for beating his wife.

d) This passage is a humorous story in which a man decides to enjoy his life while he is still living, instead of waiting for his own death. The author, Walter Dean Myers, does a good job of showing the playful nature of Big Joe, as well as the viewpoints of others in the neighborhood who take death more seriously.

The Baddest Dog in Harlem

1. Which of the following would best replace the word “old” in paragraph 9?a) elderlyb) annoyingc) juveniled) impaired

2. From the information at the end of the story, the reader can best conclude that –a) the young boy had stolen someone’s gunb) the cops are going to cover up the shootingc) people die often in Harlemd) Willie doesn’t know that a boy was shot

3. Which of the following represents the mood of the story?a) angryb) excitingc) playfuld) tragic

4. Which excerpt from the story best shows how the narrator feels about the cops?a) You stay right where you are!b) he must have meant that as a jokec) if he had his way he would have us sitting out there in that police card) the cops come out with their guns out

5. Which is the best summary of the story?a) The narrator and his friends are talking about boxing when an old man shows up, annoying everyone with his

claims about Jack Johnson, who he thinks is the best boxer ever. Suddenly the cops arrive, telling everyone to hit the ground. They shoot up nearby buildings and then make the narrator follow them into the buildings to see the damage. They realize that the gunfire killed Mary’s dog. The police respond by acting like the dog was a terrorist, and therefore needed to be killed. Mary decides to sue the police for the damager they did.

b) A normal day turns serious when cops show up to 145th street to respond to reports of a man with an automatic weapon. The locals don’t trust the cops much, but they all come out to see what’s going on. When one officer accidentally opens fire, the cops release a hail of bullets into nearby buildings. When the narrator accompanies the cops into the apartments, they realize that the report must have been false, and that the gunfire killed a young man and a dog.

c) Walter Dean Myers’ story, The Baddest Dog in Harlem, revolves around the residents of 145 th street. His vivid descriptions of life in the neighborhood, combined with the dialogue of engaging characters, gives the reader insight into this world of tragedy and chaos. He reveals the relationship between cops and residents, and shows just how sad life can be for people in poor neighborhoods.

d) This story shows how cops usually have bad relationships with poor neighborhoods. They boss people around, act irresponsibly, and disrespect the people who live in the neighborhood. The author shows all of this through a police shootout on 145th street that claims the life of a young boy and a dog.

Fighter

1. Which of the following could NOT replace the word “cried” in paragraph 1?a) grimacedb) sobbedc) weepedd) bawled

2. From the information at the end of the story, the reader can best conclude that –a) Billy doesn’t want Johnnie Mae to know he lost the fightb) Johnnie Mae is unsure of how Billy got the money he threw on the tablec) Johnnie Mae accepts what her husband didd) Billy forgives Johnnie Mae for getting angry over his boxing

3. Which of the following represents the mood of the story?a) violentb) energeticc) upliftingd) desperate

4. Which excerpt from the passage best represents the theme of the story?a) he tried to figure out… what he had done wrong in life.b) he felt like he always knew he would feel, alone.c) You had to do what you had to do…d) He didn’t deserve a cab.

5. Which is the best summary of the story?a) This story is about the commitment of one man to his family. He sacrifices himself on a regular basis to provide

food, shelter, and clothing to his wife and child. He takes risks that end in injury and loss, and endures night after night of punishment from his wife, who does not approve of his actions.

b) Billy Giles is a young man who cares deeply for his wife and baby. Because money is tight, he secretly fights in boxing matches to support his family. One night, he loses a match to a Puerto Rican fighter named Danny Vegas. Although injured, he feels it is worth it since he earned a bit of money. He returns home to his wife, who comforts him even though it upsets her when she realizes he has been fighting.

c) One night, Billy Giles, a young husband and father, enters the boxing ring with Danny Vegas, an up and coming Puerto Rican fighter. He takes a beating from the Puerto Rican and loses the bout. The reader learns that Billy must fight for a living because he never finished school. Because of a guidance counselor’s rude comment, he just felt like school was a waste of time.

d) Johnnie Mae Wiles is a wife and mother whose husband often lies to her. He sneaks out of the house late at night to fight, leaving her with very little money and no one to help take care of their child. Although he brings home money, Johnnie Mae has trouble dealing with the lies. The best she can do is pretend like her husband isn’t lying to her and focus on their baby.

Angela’s Eyes

1. Which of the following helps you understand the meaning of the word “bodega” in paragraph 7?a) to buy olive oilb) hey eyes misted with tearsc) stoop-shouldered beneath his white haird) Mr. Rodriguez’s

2. From the information at the end of the story, the reader can best conclude that –a) Mr. Rodriguez is tired of hearing about Angela’s dreamsb) a bomb will soon be dropped near 145th streetc) Angela cannot deal with people treating her badlyd) Angela will only share her dreams with those who understand her

3. Which of the following represents the mood of the story?a) violentb) hopefulc) upliftingd) mysterious

4. What do the words, “like to knife to the heart” (page 48) tell the reader? a) that people become afraid when they learn what Angela has dreamed about themb) that Angela is unaffected by what others think of herc) that Angela is hurt by people’s actions toward herd) that someone is planning to injure Angela

5. Which is the best summary of the story?a) This story is about the supernatural abilities of a girl who lives on 145th street who is able to see the future in her

dreams. She begins to share her prophecies with eager neighbors, who are both amazed and scared by her gifts. Soon, people begin to avoid her gaze, treating her like a freak. When she predicts that a bomb will drop in their city, they stop talking to her entirely, and Mr. Rodriguez tells her she must stop sharing her dreams.

b) Angela, a young woman who is trying to overcome the grief of her father’s death, is trying to carry on with her life when she begins having disturbing dreams about people dying. Strangely, her dreams begin to come true. As her superstitious neighbors learn of her odd ability, they claim she is seeing with her dead father’s eyes and begin to consult her about their own futures. When people begin to treat her differently, she decides that sharing her dreams is not such a good idea, and resolves to keep them to herself, no matter how painful it is.

c) Angela and Theresa Luz Colon have lost their father and husband to a tragic accident. Soon after his death, Angela leans that her father has left her his eyes, and that she can now see the future. First, she predicts the death of Poli, an old man who works in the local bodega. Then, the death of Eddie Robinson, who was from Georgia. But when Angela fails to tell Consuela Ortiz what her future holds, people give up on her and claim she is a fake.

d) This spooky tale of the supernatural is a great example of Walter Dean Myer’s ability to grab the reader’s attention. Through vivid descriptions and believable characters, the despair, hopefulness, sensitivity, and chaos of 145th street is captured.

The Streak

1. Which of the following words could replace the word “jumps” in paragraph 7?a) springsb) haltsc) swervesd) lurches

2. From the information at the end of the story, the reader can best conclude that - a) Jamie thinks his good luck has endedb) Jamie thinks Froggy set Celia up to talk to Jamiec) Jamie now believes in streaksd) Jamie is a lucky person

3. Which of the following best represents the moods of the story?a) angry/surprisedb) brave/afraidc) confused/confidentd) hopeless/hopeful

4. What do the words, “that got my jaw a little tight,” on page 57 tell the reader about Jamie’s emotions?a) he is hurtb) he is excitedc) he is angryd) he is embarrassed

5. Which is the best summary of the story?a) This story is about a young man named Jamie who is plays basketball for his high school. He is usually a good

player, but during one particular game he fails his team by missing a basket. When he gets back to school, his classmates jeer him and he begins to feel bad about himself. Things just get worse when he breaks a slide, makes another guy angry by spilling milk on him, and fails his English test. His friend tries to convince him that he is on an unlucky streak, but Jamie doesn’t believe him.

b) This story is about a boy named Jamie who has an unusual week. When his friend Froggy tries to convince him that his poor performance in basketball and his accident in lab class is an unlucky streak, he disagrees. But as the bad luck begins to pile up, he can’t help but think he is unlucky. His luck changes, however, when his life takes a turn for the better and a string of good things come his way, including a date with the prettiest girl in school. In the end, Jamie looks back on his week and decides that Froggy’s superstitions may be correct.

c) This story is about a high school student who just can’t seem to understand why his luck is so bad. When a string of six bad things come his way, he feels hopeless and confused. It isn’t until his friend Froggy explains “streaks” that he gets the idea. He accidentally uses up all of his subsequent good luck on unimportant things, and then regrets it. Luckily, his friend Froggy is there to help extend his streak by getting the prettiest girl in school to ask him to a dance.

d) This entertaining tale of superstition is a great example of Walter Dean Myer’s ability to grab the reader’s attention. Through vivid descriptions and believable characters, the unique experiences of Jamie Farrell, just another average kid from 145th street, are revealed.

Monkeyman

1. What does the simile in paragraph 1 tell you about the arrival of the Tigros?e) they came onto the scene slowlyf) they arrived violentlyg) they made sure everyone knew they were thereh) they were very sneaky about their movements

2. From the information at the beginning of the story, you can tell that Uncle Duke e) always meant to leave Harlem, but never got the chancef) is ashamed that his nephew isn’t proud of his Harlem rootsg) believes people should always support their community h) doesn’t believe that gang activity happens in Harlem

3. Which of the following best represents the mood of the story?e) fearlessf) hopelessg) confidenth) tense

4. What can the reader conclude about why Monkeyman refused to fight?e) He is making a statement that the Tigros aren’t that tough.f) He didn’t want to humiliate himself by being jumped in front of everyone.g) He chose not to become a part of the gang’s cycle of violence.h) He depended on his elders to talk the Tigros out of fighting him.

5. Which is the best summary of the story?e) This story is about a gang called the Tigros that is intent on ruining the safe environment of the Harlem streets.

They begin their presence in the neighborhood by tagging and throwing gang signs, as well as wearing colors. Soon their reputation grows as they progress into beating and stabbing innocent people. This intentional harassment finally pushes Monkeyman, a neighborhood peacemaker, to the limit. Monkeyman challenges the Tigros to a fight that ends in the gang backing off from their violent ways.

f) A new gang in town, the Tigros, is looking to develop a reputation in Harlem by harassing the locals. The situation becomes personal when two female members of the gang are stopped by Monkeyman in their attempt to cut his friend. The gangs turns on Monkeyman, and everyone is worried that he will be hurt or even killed. When Monkeyman finally meets up with the Tigros, he refuses to fight, as a sign to them that he believes in peace, not violence.

g) First, a gang called the Tigros begins bullying people in Harlem. Then, two female Tigros try to cut Peaches. Thankfully, Monkeyman stops them. The gang decides to jump Monkeyman for interfering in their business. Finally, Monkeyman is able to avoid injury by refusing to fight back against the Tigros.

h) This disturbing tale of attempted violence is a great example of Walter Dean Myer’s ability to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Through vivid descriptions and believable characters, the unique and sometimes dangerous experience of being a young male in Harlem is revealed.