Setting
Compare Alabama and Chicago (Bronzeville) with how black people were treated.
There was segregation in Alabama, and blacks were not able to go many places and do many things.
Chicago is a big city where blacks are treated more fairly.
What event happened that changed Langston's life forever?
Back home in Alabama, Langston's mother got sick and died. He and his dad then moved to Chicago.
Read this passage, "Time I’d go out and come back again, her face lit up like I was a soldier home on leave. She never worried about me being a “mama’s boy” like some folks said. She loved me hard as she could till she left this world." What can we infer about Langston's relationship with his mother?
Langston and his mother were very close. He loved to spend time with her, and she showed him love every day.
Why did the kids at school make fun of Langston?
He talked a little differently and had just moved from the country, so they called him, "Country Boy."
Why did Langston like to go to the bathroom so much?
He never had hot water in a sink or a running toilet. He had an outhouse in Alabama and got water from the well.
When did the story take place?
The story took place after World War 2 ended, around 1947.
How was Langston feeling when he read this part of the book in the library, "I pick up my heart, And take it with me, And I put it down in Chicago, Detroit, Buffalo, Scranton."
Langston connected to what the author was saying. He had taken his heart from Alabama and put it down in Chicago.
Describe Langston's daddy.
Langston's dad works hard and long days. When he gets home, he cooks them dinner and then goes to bed. He and Langston don't talk or do much together. Back in Alabama, he liked Langston to help him with the work around the field and the house. He missed momma.
Why hadn't Langston ever been to a Library back when he lived in Alabama?
Back in Alabama, there was segregation, and blacks were not allowed to go into libraries.
Langston's neighbor was a teacher. She always asked Langston for help with things.
Where did Langston go after he walked home a different way?
Langston went to the library.
Why didn’t Langston tell Daddy about the library?
He didn’t want Daddy to worry about him.
How did the kids treat Langston in Chicago? How did they treat Langston in Alabama?
In Alabama everyone knew his name and he had friends. In Chicago, the kids just made fun of him because he dressed and talked like he was from the country.
What subject does Langston struggle with at his new school?
Math
What kind of books Langston find in the library?
A book of poems
What City does Langston move to with his father?
Chicago
What did Langston do when he and his dad walked to the train station in Alabama?
How does Langston feel about living in a new city at first?
Sad
Blacks did not have the same rights as white. Libraries were__________ in Alabama.
Segregated
Who is Langston named after?
A poet
Why does Langston enjoy visiting the library?
He likes the quiet
What helps Langston feel more comfortable in his new environment?
Reading Poetry
How does Langston's father feel about their new life in the city?
Hopeful
Langston lives on Wabash Avenue. What did the walls have?
Holes
Which was Miss Fulton's job?
A high school teacher