Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

ACTIVITY 1: “Writing as Deza”

Deza loves writing and storytelling. In this activity, imagine you are Deza and tell what happens after she and Mother return to Gary with Father.

• Think about Deza’s voice and storytelling style.
• Recall and refer to Mrs. Needham’s advice about Deza’s writing in Chapters 4 and 5.

1. Pretend the novel continues into Deza’s first day after returning to Gary with Father. Write a scene from Deza’s first-person point of view that shows a brief conflict and includes at least two characters (in addition to Deza). One should be an existing character, and the other should be a new character that you create.

2. Something about your scene’s plot, outcome, imagery, dialogue, or mood should contribute to one of the major themes of the novel: family unity, success and survival, struggles during the Great Depression, racism and discrimination, secrets, kindness, or hopes and dreams.

3. Stuck for an idea? Try one of these “What if…?” prompts:

•  What if Clarice returns to Gary, but lives on the other side of town?
• What if Deza runs into Mrs.