How does Waverly FIRST learn the strategy of invisible strength?
She cries about salted plums and later learns to stay silent and patient to get what she wants.
Where does the family live?
San Francisco/San Francisco’s China Town
Describe Waverly's initial reaction to outsiders (tourists in Chinatown).
They try to pose Waverly and her friends in front of the restaurant. Waverly and her friends mock him for his ignorance.
Why did Waverly start to become isolated from her family and community?
She became too skilled at chess to play with her brothers. Chess took all of her time and she could no longer play in the park.
What does it mean to do something deftly?
To do something skillfully, or with great precision.
Who has the highest chess rating of all time?
Magnus Carlson
What was the name of one of her brothers.
Winston/Vincent
How does the author use strong imagery to depict Chinatown?
She describes the sights and smells of the restaurants and the secret alleyways she used to play in.
She says "Is shame you fall down nobody push you".
What are some of the concessions the family make to help Waverly succeed at chess?
She gets her own bedroom to practice. The brothers have to do the dishes.
What is one example of ironic imagery in this story?
Where does Waverly end in this story and what is she doing?
Waverly lies in her room planning her next move in the metaphorical chess match against her mother.
What does the mother say when she wins at chess in the park?
That it was luck. Displaying traditional Chinese humility.
Waverly being forced to say she is a Christian to receive a present.
What are the brothers' name in this story?
Vincent and Winston.
This man is credited with inventing the lightbulb.
Thomas Edison
Who displayed invisible strength in the final conflict of this story?
Waverly's mother.
Playing in the alleys of SF Chinatown.
What gift did Waverly receive from Santa?
What is one character that plotted in this story and when?
Waverly plotted her next move against her mother at the end of the story. Waverly plots while playing chess.
What is the state capital of Florida?
Tallahassee
Who was Bobby Fisher?
A chess prodigy from U.S.
A famous Chess Player.
Why does Waverly begin to get frustrated with the mother?
She gave chess advice even when she didn't understand the game.
How does chess expand Waverly's world view?
She travels widely and meets new people beyond the confines of Chinatown.
What does relented mean?
Agreeing to something reluctantly, after resisting to it before.