Ch. 21
Who was Bailey’s first love outside the family?
Bailey’s first love was Joyce.
What room functioned also as a sitting room?
Mrs. Henderson’s bedroom functioned as a sitting room. Mrs. Henderson’s bedroom functioned as a sitting room.
From what grade was Marguerite graduating? What was the year of her graduation?
Marguerite was graduating from the eighth grade in 1940.
Why does Maya have to go to the dentist?
She had two cavities that were rotten to the gums.
Where does Momma decide to take Maya and Bailey? What state is she taking them to?
California, to be with their parents.
What happened to Joyce?
She ran away with a railroad porter to be married.
Why would Willie encourage Marguerite to close the store early on such a night?
Uncle Willie would encourage her to close early and save on electricity.
What was the name of Marguerite's school?
Lafayette County Training School
What favor did Dentist Lincoln owe Ms. Henderson?
He had borrowed money from her.
What is the reason for Bailey and Maya leaving Stamps? (or at least what is the reason Maya thinks they are leaving Stamps?)
Maya thinks they are leaving Stamps, because of an incident that happened with Bailey. While out running an errand, Bailey came across a dead body, that was fished from the pond. A white man made him and other black men, pick up the body and put it in the prison. The person who was killed was a black man. Maya thought her grandmother was trying to get them away from a volatile situation.
How did the community see Joyce, as evidenced by Mrs. Goodman?
Mrs. Goodman said that Joyce was like her mother and was a loose girl.
What did Mr. Taylor say that his wife was saying?
Mr. Taylor said his wife was saying “Children.”
What gift did Bailey give Maya for her graduation?
a soft-leather-bound copy of a collection of poems by Edgar Allan Poe
What did the dentist say was the reason he could not treat Maya?
He said that he does not treat colored people, and that this was his policy.
Why couldn't Bailey go with Momma and Maya to California?
They didn't have enough money for the fare and the travel needed to be during a specific time.
The children were prohibited from going to the movies during a certain period each year. When was this time?
The children were not allowed to go to a movie during Passover Week.
What did Mrs. Taylor leave for Maya after she died?
Her yellow brooch
Even though Marguerite’s last name began with a “J,” she would be one of the first called at the graduation ceremonies. Why?
Marguerite would be one of the first graduates called because of her good work.
What does Momma say to Dr. Lincoln, after he declines to treat Maya?
She reminds him of his debt to her and she charges him interest for being so nasty.
How did they pay for the transportation to California?
Momma traded groceries for a pass on the railroad.
Why were the children not allowed to go to the movies during passover week?
Momma said we all must sacrifice to purify our souls.
What did Mrs. Taylor keeping saying to Mr. Taylor in his dreams about her?
"I want children."
The speaker at Maya’s eighth-grade graduation insinuates that black children can only hope to become great ____
Athletes
How does Maya get help with her cavities?
They family travels to Texarkana to visit another dentist, named Dr. Baker.
What was Uncle Willie's response to Bailey's story?
Uncle Willie responded that he did not know “what the world was coming to.”