Characters
Who is the Author of the book and a son of both Jewish and African American background?
James McBride, James
What theme is shown through the following statement? Ruth’s refusal to be defined by ------ categories is clear in her rejection of the "white" label, especially after her marriage to a Black man. She insists that ---- doesn’t define her or her relationship with her children
Race, Racial identity, Identity, discrimination, racism, segregation
Why does Ruth's family disown her as she moved to New York?
For marrying a Black man, for not marrying a Jewish man, for getting pregnant by a Black man.
Who says "I wanted to make sure my children had a chance" ?
Ruth, Ruth McBride
What did James think about his mother always riding her bicycle around their street?
Drove him crazy, embarrassed him
Who is James' birth father?
Rev, Andrew McBride
What theme is shown throughout Ruth's journey from an oppressed young girl, to a strong independent woman?
Resilience, Overcoming Adversity
What causes James to skip school, do drugs, and run about the streets?
The death of Andrew McBride
Who said " 'You promised you wouldn't leave' " ?
Deedee, Gladys
In contrast to riding her bicycle, what does she do that DOESN'T bother James?
Playing piano, piano
Who is the daughter of Tateh, and what are her names? (Name all)
Rachel, Ruchel, Ruth
What two major aspects of Ruth's life does the title "The Color of Water" refer to?
Race and Religion
What was Andrew's cause of death?
Cancer
Who said "My mother was a strong woman, but her life was one of constant struggle"?
James, James McBride
List at least 5 symbols present in the book.
Piano, Church, Water, Music, Bicycle, Birds, etc.
Which gentile girl does Ruth hang out with during her youth?
Frances
What theme(s) does Ruth's disagreement with her family and their disapproval of her marriage to an African American show?
Family conflict and/or societal expectations
Which historical event helps James and his siblings with their cultural Identity and sparked a fire in them to pursue their goals?
The Black Power Movement; The Civil Rights Movement
Who said “ ‘I don’t like this food either. My favorite food is mayonnaise on white bread’ ” ?
Frances
What does Church symbolize in this book?
A place of healing, confusion, and/or hope
Who is the sister of Ruth McBride? (her real name)
Gladys
James’s journey of ------------ and his questioning of his ------- as a Black man in America is depicted through his experiences growing up and his eventual reflection on his mother’s choices and the impact of race on his life.
Self-discovery, search for identity
Why couldn't Ruth enter the church for high school graduation?
Anything along the lines of: Her harsh Jewish upbringing still had an affect on her.
Who said "The world may say you’re black, but I’ll tell you, you’re not black. You’re a human being. You can’t live by someone else’s rules." ?
Dennis, Dennis McBride
What's the relationship between birds and Mahmeh?
Something along the lines of: She loved birds and how free they were, since she was crippled due to her condition