Themes/Symbols
What does the hurricane symbolize in the story?
6. What does the hurricane symbolize in the story?
A) A simple rainstorm that Lanesha ignores
B) The idea that people should always run from challenges
C) The unexpected challenges and changes that life brings
D) A test in school that Lanesha is afraid of
C) The unexpected challenges and changes that life brings
What warning does Mama Ya-Ya give about the approaching storm?
She senses that the hurricane will be very dangerous and tells Lanesha to be prepared.
(Extra 100 if you mentioned that Mama YaYa said that the storm wasn't going to be the bad part)
“The house creaked and groaned like an old man waking from a long nap.”
Simile
How does Lanesha’s relationship with TaShon evolve during the novel?
a) They start as strangers, but by the end, they have developed a deep friendship and sense of mutual care
b) They never become friends, and TaShon chooses to leave the Ninth Ward for a new life
c) They begin as enemies but end up as partners in business
d) Their relationship remains distant throughout the story
A
What was the significance of the Super Dome during the hurricane?
It is where many people took cover
What does Mama YaYa say about Lanesha and bridges?
She is the bridge between the real world and the spirit world
**Double Jeopardy**
How does TaShon end up staying with Lanesha during the storm?
His family evacuates without him, and he returns to the neighborhood
“The rain came down so hard, it was like the sky was falling into the streets.”
2 terms
Hyperbole and simile
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
How does Mama YaYa show love to Lanesha?
Multiple answers
How did many people in New Orleans respond to the approaching hurricane?
a) They evacuated the city immediately.
b) They ignored the warnings and stayed inside.
c) Many people were unable to leave due to poor infrastructure and transportation.
d) They built barricades to stop the floodwaters from entering.
c) Many people were unable to leave due to poor infrastructure and transportation.
What does Mama YaYa say about burial of dead people?
(I will accept similar answers)
What specific moment leads Lanesha to realize that they need to rescue themselves?
When the helicopter goes past them
*Double jeopardy**
Mama Ya-Ya’s wisdom was a lighthouse, guiding me through the dark.
Metaphor
Describe one time when Lanesha showed maturity.
Multiple answers
What month and year did Hurricane Katrina?
August 2005
**DOUBLE JEOPARDY**
What does Mama YaYa say is the reason that Mother is still in the bed?
She is still trying to "birth her"
At the end of the book, where do they see a bunch of people walking? (while they are on the boat)
They're walking across the bridge
“I had never seen so much water in my life; it was as if the entire ocean had decided to visit the Ninth Ward.”
2 terms
Hyperbole and personification
Why did Mama YaYa stop fighting for her life while the hurricane was approaching?
She knew it was time for Lanesha to shine
What was a major cause of the flooding in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina?
The levees breaking/flooding
Why does Mother finally come out of the bed? (Hint: the answer isn't that she wanted to rescue her)
She finally was witnessing Lanesha becoming her self, showing bravery, having a "rebirth"
What book does Lanesha bring with her to the attic? (be very specific)
The B category of the Encyclopedia
(Partial credit for only saying Encyclopedia)
The wind whipped wildly through the wreckage.
(2 terms)
Alliteration and personification
Why was Lanesha hoping that TaShon could see her mother?
Lanesha also felt that her mother's presence had been a source of strength, and she wanted TaShon to find peace in the same way.
OR
She wanted him to be similar to her in that way, so that she didn't feel so alone with her ability.
Which body of water did the hurricane go through before touching down land?
The Gulf of Mexico