Facing Forever

At the beginning of the story, Nathan is characterized as

• grief-stricken

• hopeful

• furious

• terrified

Which lines support your answer to Question 1? Choose THREE.

• "I didn't see how driving from Maryland to Florida would make things right."

• "Then thinking about home made me think about who wasn't there anymore, and my throat tightened."

• "I pulled Maggie a bit closer and squinted into the fog."

• "Going to an amusement park seemed like the wrong thing to do somehow."

Consider how Nathan describes the campground: "It was strangely desolate. A gust of wind blew the rusty playground swings back and forth, making a creaking sound." Which of the following could also be described as desolate?

• a river bank teeming with wildlife

• a crowded city street

• a theater full of people

• an abandoned building

Which of the following is NOT a way the author develops the idea that the stream Nathan and Boo visit is the Fountain of Youth?

• by giving Boo dog tags from 1947

• by describing the water as cold

• by describing Boo as acting "like a puppy" when he emerges from the stream

• by explaining that the water heals the cuts on Nathan's feet

What is the main reason Nathan decides to bring Boo home with him?

• Nathan realizes that a life spent with a loving family is more important than immortality.

• Boo is desperately in need of food and shelter.

• Nathan feels bad that he broke his word to his sister.

• Nathan thinks bringing Boo home will make his parents happy.

Which of the following ideas are developed in the story? Choose TWO.

• The most important things in life are love and family.

• It can take time to heal from a loss.

• People have more in common than they have differences.

• One day, humans will discover the secret to immortality.

Grandpa told Nathan, "I've had a long life...A life filled with love and family. What more could I ask for?" These words help Nathan decide _______.

• to search for Boo's original family

• to take Boo home with him

• to be nicer to his sister

• that the stream is definitely the Fountain of Youth

“When I came back outside that evening, Boo was still there. He followed close as we explored the campground. It was strangely desolate. A gust of wind blew the rusty playground swings back and forth, making a creaking sound.”

Based on the context clues, what does desolate place mean?

• crowded

• joyful

• cheerful

• dreary

What word does the author uses to refer to the swamp’s plants and trees?

• foliage, vegetation

• plants, trees

• bushes, plants

• animals, plants

“I plunged in after him, stumbling over twisting tree roots protruding from the ground.” Using context clues, what is the meaning of protruding?

• hiding inside

• sticking out

• on top of

• in a river