Reading Check questions are designed for in-class review on key plot points or for quick verbal or written assessments. Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes create ideal summative assessments, and collectively function to convey a sense of the work’s tone and themes.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. How does Lanesha learn the word fortitude, and why does she like the word?

2. Who brings Spot to stay at Lanesha’s house?

3. Why does Lanesha stay after school?

Multiple Choice

1. Of these, which topic does Lanesha seem to have absorbed most naturally?

A) Mama Ya-Ya’s recipes and cooking techniques

B) Mama Ya-Ya’s midwifery and infant care skills

C) Mama Ya-Ya’s knowledge of signs and symbols

D) Mama Ya-Ya’s African facts and information

2. Mama Ya-Ya used to be the neighborhood midwife, but she is not any longer. Which of these reasons best explains the implied factors behind her giving up that position?

A) Neighborhood mothers-to-be no longer trust her.

B) She is too old and tired for the strenuous work.

C) Authorities forced her to stop the unofficial practice.

D) She trained a replacement and retired from the job.

3. Which of these descriptions of Lanesha’s feelings best explains why she thinks, “Who needs a dumb Uptown family?” in Chapter 3?

A) Lanesha is proud that she excels in school and wants to follow her own path.