Characters
Who are the three main characters traveling to California?
Grandma, Maya, and Bailey
Where does Maya's grandmother live?
Arkansas
What does Maya's grandmother say to calm her fears about meeting her mother?
"Sister, there is nothing to be scared for, she is your mother, that's all."
What is the main theme of family reunion in these chapters?
acceptance
What does the word "supervision" mean in the context of Maya being with her grandmother on the train?
Her grandmother is watching over her to be sure she gets to California safely to meet her mother.
What is the relationship between Maya and Bailey?
Siblings
What type of place does Vivian Baxter live in?
boardinghouse
How does Bailey react when he first sees their mother?
hypnotized (excited, happy, overjoyed)
How does Maya begin to understand the concept of being charitable?
Her mother asks her to smile
What does the term "boardinghouse" refer to?
house where people rent one or more rooms for either short or long periods of time.
What does Maya call her mother when she first meets her?
Ma'am
What city does the train travel to?
San Francisco
What does Maya think of her mother’s appearance when she first sees her?
She thinks she is beautiful and looks like a movie star
What does Maya learn about her mother during their conversations?
(multiple responses accepted) teacher discretion
How does the word "charitable" relate to Maya's actions?
She was smiling at her mom for the first time
Who does Grandma trust to look after Bailey while they are in California?
Uncle Willie
Where does Maya feel most uncomfortable after arriving in California?
Her room (the room they showed her where she would stay)
How does Maya feel when her brother embraces their mother?
Upset, angry, sad
How is the theme of identity explored through Maya's relationship with her mother?
She needs to accept who she is and be comfortable with the way that she looks. (teacher discretion based on group answers)
What is an antonym for "charitable"?
Selfish, ungenerous, stingy, tightfisted, cheap (many more- teacher discretion)
How does Vivian Baxter (Maya's mother) describe herself to Maya?
Not like her grandmother
What kind of music does Maya's mother play in her home?
Jazz and Blues
What decision does Maya make about going back to Arkansas?
She wants to go back with her grandma
How does the chapter illustrate the theme of acceptance?
-hugging mom
-Coming up with a name for her mother, "Lady"
What does Maya mean when she says she is not used to being called beautiful?
She never heard anyone call her beautiful or pretty before.