Athena & the Dandelions

Which sentence best describes a central message of the short story?

• We should celebrate what makes us unique.

• It is scary to be seen by others as being different.

• People often judge those who they see as being different.

• It is easier to do what others are doing, rather than stand out.

Which detail from the text best supports the answer to Part A?

• A. "She knew I didn't eat dandelions. Why did I have to pick them with my family every spring?" (Paragraph 6)

• B. "I set down my book and tilted my face to the warm breeze. I told the wind, 'I hope we're not there yet.'" (Paragraph 11)

• C. "No one wanted them. What would the new neighbors think if they found out our family ate weeds?" (Paragraph 12)

• D. "I closed my eyes and made a wish: to be as open-minded as my family and my new friend." (Paragraph 48)

Why is it important to the story that Athena checks to make sure no one is watching when the family picks dandelions?

• It reveals she is embarrassed by the idea of someone finding out her family eats dandelions.

• It shows her fear that her friends will find out that her family steals the weeds.

• It demonstrates that she doesn't want people to know how much time she spends with her family.

• It introduces her fear of the kids at school and worry about seeing them outside of class.

Which sentence describes Brigid?

• Brigid is cold towards Athena.

• Brigid has sympathy for Athena.

• Brigid is afraid to try new things.

• Brigid is willing to try new things.

Why is it important to the story that Brigid eats the dandelions?

• It shows she is willing to be open-minded and try new things.

• It shows she is only trying to impress Athena and doesn't really like the dandelions.

• It shows she is trying to fit in with the Greek tradition of eating dandelions.

• It shows she doesn't care about what the dandelions taste like and just wants to be polite.

What does Athena’s wish at the end of the story reveal about her character?

• She wishes to be more like her family and embrace their traditions.

• She hopes to find a way to eat dandelions without feeling embarrassed.

• She wishes to be more open-minded and accept differences in people.

• She wants to move to a new home where no one knows her family’s traditions.

How does the author describe Athena’s feelings about picking dandelions at the beginning of the story?

• Athena feels proud of her family’s traditions.

• Athena is embarrassed and doesn’t to participate.

• Athena enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

• Athena feels excited about helping her family gather food.