Figurative Language
" Outside the snowflakes tap at the window"
What is The phrase "Outside the snowflakes tap at the window" contains personification, a type of figurative language. Personification is when human characteristics or actions are attributed to non-human things. In this case, snowflakes are given the human-like ability to "tap," which they cannot literally do. This creates a vivid, sensory image and enhances the description of the scene.
Travels from Africa to Minnesota.
Who is Kek?
White and fluffy
What is snow?
He picks Kek up at the airport?
Who is Dave?
"I miss the way the sun is hot in Sudan, the way it burns my skin."
Kek reflects on his past in Sudan, highlighting his longing for his homeland and the warmth he once knew.
The pillow like a mound of grass is an example of this type of figurative language.
What is The phrase "The pillow like a mound of grass" is an example of simile, a type of figurative language. A simile compares two different things using the word "like" or "as." Here, the pillow is being compared to a mound of grass using "like," suggesting the pillow's shape or texture resembles that of a mound of grass.
Live with her foster mother?
Hannah
A tiny clock strapped to Kek's aunt's arm.
What is a watch?
Kek's mother's sister's name.
What is Nyatal?
"My name is Kek. I am from Sudan."
This is one of the first lines of the book, introducing the main character, Kek, and giving a glimpse of his background.
"The world is a big place, but my heart is bigger."
What is This metaphor compares the narrator's heart to something large, implying that their emotions or love are vast and all-encompassing, far beyond the size of the physical world. It emphasizes the strength and depth of their feelings.
Lost his left hand in battle.
Who is Ganwar?
This is what Kek has to give the cafeteria worker to get his meal.
What is a Blue paper?
She sends out paperwork to find Kek's mother?
Who is Diane?
"I have learned the word 'refugee.' I do not like it. It does not sound like home."
"The ice cracks and pops beneath my feet."
What is In this case, "cracks" and "pops" are words that imitate the actual sounds made by the ice, which is characteristic of onomatopoeia. These words help bring the scene to life by mimicking the sounds in the environment.
Employs Kek.
Who is Lou?
Kek is surprised that he gets these two objects free at school.
What is a desk and chair?x
He is a teacer's assitiant in the ESL class?
Who is Mr. Franklin?
"There are so many things I do not understand about this new world."
This shows Kek's confusion and disorientation as he tries to navigate life in a completely different culture and environment.
"I am on the edge of my seat."
What is This idiom means to be extremely eager or excited about something, often because of anticipation or suspense. It's not meant to be taken literally; instead, it conveys the feeling of being deeply engaged or waiting anxiously for something to happen.
ESL teacher
Who is Ms. Hernandez?
One of Kek's favorite "solid" food?
What are fries?
Sang songs to his son, Kek.
Who is Dak or Kek's father.
"In Sudan, we would sit around a fire and tell stories. Here, people sit alone."