The Lions Of Little Rock

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. Why does Marlee feel close to Liz?

A) Liz is dark-skinned like Marlee.

B) Liz and Marlee have many things in common.

C) Liz protects Marlee from Sally.

D) Liz gives Marlee good advice.

2. What social changes are the characters coping with in Arkansas at the time of the novel?

A) School districts complying with integration.

B) The supreme court ruling enforcing segregation in the south.

C) The state government fighting the supreme court ruling on integration.

D) The differing views of the Black and white communities.

3. What best describes how Marlee’s character changes throughout the novel?

A) She is better at making friends.

B) She is less shy and stands up for what she believes in.

C) She develops a sense of justice.

D) She defends herself to her friends.

4. What is the best example of the novel’s theme of Learning to Speak Out?

A) Marlee stands up for herself to JT.

B) Marlee confronts her mother and community on racist ideologies.

C) Marlee learns how to speak more often from Liz.

D) Marlee gives a public speech for the first time.

5. What is the symbolic meaning of the feather Liz gives Marlee in the novel?

A) It represents the belief systems of the two girls.

B) It reminds her of Liz.

C) It helps Liz to stand up for what she believes in.

D) It is a talisman to ward off angst.

6. Which of the following are Marlee’s unhealthy relationships in the novel?

A) Her mother and father

B) Liz and the Daltons

C) JT and Sally

D) Judy and David

7. How does Marlee feel after realizing Liz is Black?

A) pity

B) hatred

C) numb

D) betrayed

8. What do the lions at the zoo represent to Marlee?

A) Bravery and daring

B) An audience

C) Uninhibited verbal expression

D) A meeting place with Liz

9. Based on Marlee’s reactions in the novel, what can the reader infer Marlee does not like?

A) Change

B) English class

C) People

D) Lions

10. What changes occur in Mrs. Nesbitt in the novel?

A) She accepts her daughter as she is.

B) She grows to relate to her family in different ways.

C) She realizes that social change needs to happen.

D) She becomes less resilient to racist attitudes.

11. Why is Liz’s relationship with Marlee good for her?

A) Liz shows Marlee how to deal with bullies like JT.

B) Liz teaches Marlee to be silent.

C) Liz forces Marlee to confront her fears in a safe way.

D) Liz and Marlee share a bond that Marlee cannot feel with others.

12. What is the significance of the skydive in The Lions of Little Rock?

A) It illustrates Marlee’s personal growth.

B) It represents Marlee’s friendship with Liz.

C) It is nostalgic to Marlee.

D) It symbolizes a conquering of foes.

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. Liz teaches Marlee to speak out; Marlee teaches Liz to be quiet. Which (speaking out or being quiet) is portrayed as more important in the novel? How does each character grow from what the other teaches them?

2. What are magic squares and what do they symbolize in the novel?