a loaf of white bread, often braided, that traditionally is eaten at special Jewish celebrations
challah
100
How do you think Anna's family feels when they first come to America?
lost and out of place; comforted by having neighbors who share similar experiences
100
Why do you think so many neighbourhood ladies help to make the quilt?
They might be followin Russian customs; they like to get together; they're willing to help one another.
200
small, thin tools used for sewing
needles
200
cloth made from fibers of the flax plant
linen
200
a square piece of cloth used for wiping the face or nose; a scarf.
handkerchief
200
Why do you think Anna's mother chooses to make the quilt from scraps of old clothing?
They're too poor to buy new material; the scraps bring back fond memories of Russian relatives.
200
How can you tell that Anna is respected and loved by her family?
Carle and George let her live with them; Mary Ellen respectfully calls her "Lady Gramma", the quilt is used to warm her legs, they honor her with a special birthday cake.
300
passed through the eye of a needle
threaded
300
a bunch of flowers
bouquet
300
a canopy under which traditional Jewish weddings are performed
Huppa
300
Why do you think the family uses the quilt as a tablecloth for Sabbath meals?
The meals are important celebrations; the quilt is a special reminder of missing family members
300
How is Mary Ellen's wedding similar to and different from her mother's and grandmother's.
Similar: They still used the huppa and included traditional symbols in the bouquet.
Different: She invited non-Jewish friends to the wedding.
400
leftover bits of cloth
scraps
400
being very poor
poverty
400
not real or natural; fake
artificial
400
How do the illustrations emphasize the quilt's importance?
The quilt is shown in color, so reasers' eyes are drawn to it.
400
Why do you think Mary Ellen told her daughter the story of how the quilt was made?
So her daughter will know why the quilt is special; her mother had explained it to her; the quilt is important because of its connection to her Russian ancestors.
500
fastened with stitches using a needle and thread
sewn
500
a coming together of people
gathering
500
a woman's head scarf; from the Russian word meaning "grandmother"
babushka
500
What do you think will happen to the quilt in the future? Why do you think as you do?
The author will pass the quilt on to new family members, along with its story and traditional uses; it's a family tradition she values.
500
Why does the author call the quilt "the keeping quilt"?
It keeps the family history alive; traditionally the family shares its story with new members.