Chapter 1
In chapter 1, we learn that Maya suffers from a condition that causes dizziness. What is this condition called?*
Anemia
Maya is concerned that Eli thinks she’s making up the story about the black lightning. What does Eli tell her to ease her concern?*
Another classmate told him she saw two crows talking to each other
Maya wants to talk to Mama about what she saw at school in chapter 1. What natural phenomenon does she reference when she indirectly explains what she saw?*
Aurora borealis
“I had a sinking feeling in my stomach like fluttering moth wings” (Barron 13). What gives Maya this feeling?*
Papa taking too long to come home
Something strange happens during Maya’s dizzy spell. Which of the choices below best describes what happens?
The color bleeds from the world
“That was my first mistake of many more to come. Had I known what lurked in the shadows that day, maybe I would’ve made a different choice” (Barron 9). This quote is an example of what type of storytelling technique?*
Foreshadowing
What is Maya’s mother’s profession?*
Nurse
What is the name of the warrior goddess who controls storms that Maya likes to read about in comic books?*
Oya
After the strange occurrence is over, what does Maya notice wrong with her math teacher?*
Nothing is wrong with her; she acts as if nothing happened
A point of view refers to who is telling or narrating a story. A story can be told from three different points of view: first person, second person, and third person. What is the point of view of this story?*
First Person
What is Mama waiting for before she leaves for work?*
Papa to come home
Who does Maya watch out her window before she goes to bed?*
The Johnston twins going for a walk
While Maya is in after school tutoring, her best friend Eli is also at school. What is his reason for being there?
Detention
The opening chapter establishes the setting of the story. Where is this story taking place?*
Chicago
What physical characteristics does Maya share with Papa?*
Dark eyes and dimples
The second time Maya sees the color bleed from the world, where does it occur?
In a dream
The crossing guard, Zane, has a dog named General. What kind of dog is he?*
Bloodhound
Who is the narrator of the story?*
Maya
What is Papa’s occupation?*
Structural Engineer
What is the man in her nightmare doing?
Sucking the life out of her neighborhood