Characters
These kids are the main protagonists of this novel.
Who are Tendai, Rita, and Kuda
This 'queen' considers the Vlei her country.
Who is the She Elephant
“Knowledge is a house that must be built from the ground up. We know how to make the roof. The information is useless if we don't understand the foundations on which it is to be placed.”
Who is he Martial Arts Instructor
This second-wife of the chief is being sheltered because she is pregnant.
Who is Chipo
Tendai has sympathy for Clay Belly the cow because at least she __________
What is "has the courage to try something new"
This powerful man is a strict father to his three children.
General Matsika
This substance makes up much of the vlei - much to Tendai's surprise.
What is plastic or plastic bags
"We never have any fun, and you have to sit there like an old vulture and preach. Go croak somewhere else!"
Who is Rita
Only this person opens the gates.
Who is Myanda
The three detective have these special abilities:
Super hearing, sight, and empathy/sensitivity to the moods/emotions of others
This gang is the only one still terrorizing Zimbabwe.
Who are The Masks
These two hoodlums are at the She Elephant's beck & call.
Who are Knife & Fist
"Fah, I can't keep it up - it's like kicking a puppy!"
Who is General Matsika
This person wanders from home to home ... and often beyond.
Who is Trashman/Chedu
The detectives have special permits to carry these.
What are Nirvana Guns
This English man has a shave for stories.
Who is the Mellower
Tendai finds one of these spiritual items in a well.
What is an Ndoro
"I was only fourteen. He talked to me like the parent I never had. He said I could go to school or learn a trade, but I would have to be absolutely perfect. If I wasn't, he would drop me off the Mile-High MacIlwaine. He was joking. I think. Anyhow, he also told me about Resthaven."
Who is Myanda
These word puzzles test the worth of the boys in front of the men.
What are riddles.
The General asks (without asking) the detective to go into Resthaven after his children because the villagers would react this way:
What is think they are bogeymen/witches' monsters.
These three detectives have special abilities.
Who are Ear, Eye, and Arm.
The She Elephant makes this illegal substance & sells it
What is Kachasu or alcohol.
"When I want a peanut, I'll go to the market and buy one! Get me a hamburger, you tight-wads!"
Who is the Blue Monkey
Rita is punished for eating without permission by this brutal practice.
What is being burnt with hot peanuts.
The men in Resthaven use this method of storytelling.
What is call and response or chanting.