1
is the main character in the book?
The main character is Ruth, a young girl traveling with her parents.
Why is Ruth’s family traveling at the beginning of the story?
They are driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit Ruth’s grandmother.
What problem does Ruth’s family face when they begin traveling?
They experience discrimination—gas stations won’t serve them, hotels refuse them, and they aren’t allowed to use restrooms.
What does the salesman give Ruth’s family at the Esso gas station?
He gives them The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide that helps Black travelers find safe places.
Why was the Green Book important for Ruth’s family?
It listed businesses that welcomed Black customers, helping them travel safely without being turned away.
How did Ruth feel when the first gas station refused to let her use the restroom?
She felt confused, embarrassed, and upset because she didn’t understand why she was being treated unfairly
How did the Esso gas station treat Ruth’s family?
They treated them kindly, served them, and allowed Ruth’s father to use their restroom and fill the car.
Why did Ruth’s father choose to buy gas only at Esso stations after learning about the Green Book?
Because Esso stations welcomed Black customers and supported the Green Book.
What special thing helped Ruth feel safe?
A little stuffed bear which Ruth treasures.
How did the Green Book help Ruth’s family during the rest of their trip?
It helped them find safe hotels, restaurants, and rest stops where they would be respected.
What feeling does Ruth have when they finally reach her grandmother’s home?
She feels relieved, happy, and safe.
What does Ruth decide she wants to do with her toy bear at the end of the book?
She gave it to the boy at the inn so he would feel safe.
What time period does the story take place in?
During the 1950s, in the era of Jim Crow laws.
What lesson does this story teach about perseverance?
It shows that despite obstacles and unfairness, Ruth’s family keeps moving forward and finds safe ways to travel.
Why couldn’t African American families simply stop wherever they wanted during this time?
Because segregation laws allowed businesses to refuse service to Black customers.
Who created the real Green Book?
Victor Hugo Green, a Black postal worker from New York City.
Why did Victor Green create the Green Book?
To help Black travelers stay safe and find businesses that would serve them during segregation.
How long was the Green Book published?
It was published from 1936 to 1966.
What is one thing the Author’s Note explains about travel during segregation?
African American travelers often had to bring their own food, bedding, and even gasoline because many places refused to serve them.
What did the Green Book include besides hotels and restaurants?
It included beauty shops, barbershops, tailors, gas stations, and private homes that welcomed Black guests.
Why did the Author’s Note say the Green Book became less necessary after 1964?
Because the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation in public places.
How does the Author’s Note connect the fiction story to real history?
It explains that Ruth’s family’s experience represents what many Black families actually faced during that era.
Why does Ruth’s mother bring food from home for the trip?
Because they cannot be sure restaurants on the road will serve them.
What emotion does Ruth feel when she sees a hotel listed in the Green Book that welcomes Black families?
She feels hopeful and excited.
How does the illustrator, Floyd Cooper, help tell the story?
His illustrations show the characters emotions, the challenges of the road, and the historical setting, deepening the impact of the story.