Now Is Not the Time to Panic: 20-Question Quiz on Plot, Characters & Themes
Test your knowledge of Kevin Wilson's Now Is Not the Time to Panic with this 20-question quiz covering plot, characters, themes, and more. Answers are at the bottom. For deeper analysis, see the book overview, questions and answers, and ending explained.
Plot & Sequence
1. What event opens the novel's present-day narrative?
A) Frankie receives a phone call from a stranger who knows her secret.
B) Frankie finds an old poster in her garage.
C) Frankie's daughter asks about her past.
D) Frankie reads an article about the Coalfield Panic.
2. How do Frankie and Zeke first meet?
A) At a summer art class.
B) At the public pool during a greased watermelon contest.
C) At a Hardee's restaurant.
D) At a church picnic.
3. What object do Frankie and Zeke use to create the poster?
A) A printing press.
B) A typewriter.
C) A Xerox copier.
D) A computer printer.
4. What is the exact phrase on the poster? (Short answer)
5. After the posters appear, which event happens first?
A) The sheriff issues a statement about dark forces.
B) Two teenagers claim they were abducted by fugitives.
C) Lyle Tawwater dies falling from a water tower.
D) The National Guard is called in.
6. What leads to Lyle Tawwater's death?
A) He is shot by a militia member.
B) He falls from a water tower while hanging posters.
C) He is hit by a car.
D) He dies of a heart attack during a confrontation.
7. How does Frankie break her arm?
A) She falls while climbing a tree.
B) Zeke grabs her wrist and she falls down porch steps.
C) She crashes her car into a tree.
D) She is injured during a protest.
8. As an adult, what does Frankie do with the original poster?
A) She burns it.
B) She donates it to a museum.
C) She keeps it and makes copies to re-hang around the world.
D) She gives it to Zeke.
Character Motivation
9. Why does Zeke approach Frankie at the pool?
A) He recognizes her from school.
B) He wants her help to win the greased watermelon contest.
C) He is looking for directions.
D) He wants to borrow money.
10. Why does Frankie decide to help Zeke after he gets hurt?
A) She wants to impress her brothers.
B) She feels sorry for him and wants to help.
C) She hopes to get a reward.
D) She is bored and wants excitement.
11. Why does Frankie keep the poster's origin a secret from her mother?
A) She is afraid her mother will punish her.
B) She wants to protect Zeke.
C) She wants to keep the secret as her own private thing.
D) She thinks her mother wouldn't believe her.
12. When Frankie and Zeke reunite as adults, why does Zeke ask her to keep his involvement secret?
A) He is ashamed of the poster.
B) He wants to avoid legal trouble and public exposure.
C) He doesn't want his family to know.
D) He wants to protect Frankie.
13. Why does Frankie finally agree to talk to Mazzy Brower?
A) She wants to become famous.
B) She is tired of keeping the secret and wants to prove it happened.
C) She wants to get money from the article.
D) She wants to reconnect with Zeke.
Themes & Symbols
14. What does the poster symbolize for Frankie?
A) Her rebellion against her parents.
B) Her creative identity and connection to Zeke.
C) Her desire for fame.
D) Her fear of the law.
**15. What does the phrase