Remember to write a paragraph response for each chapter question. Merci!
- Think about a typical day in your life. How would your life be different if you were forced to work to support your family instead of going to school? What if you had to sell garbage, like Safiyah?
- Safiyah dreams of learning to read and write. What do you think she’d say to a North American child who grumbles about having to go to school every day?
- When Safiyah loses her footing and falls in the pile of garbage, something sharp pokes her in the back. Consider what your family throws away. What sorts of dangers do you suppose would be lurking in the dump?
- Do you think Safiyah is rich or poor? Do you feel rich or poor when compared to Safiyah? Explain using three differences your life is compare to Safiyah’s.
- Safiyah’s grandmother is ill, but the girl doesn’t want to take her to the hospital because she knows that people who go there never come home. As you see it, is she right in making this decision on behalf of her grandmother? Please explain.
- In the middle of chapter 6, Safiyah recalls one of Cucu’s stories about when Safiyah was a baby. What are some familiar stories from your childhood?
- At the end of chapter 6, Safiyah heads back to the dump even though she knows it’s dangerous—and that Cucu has forbidden her to cross paths with Blade again. As you see it, why do children sometimes ignore the advice of their elders? Why does Safiyah do it, in this instance?
- Safiyah is surprised when Blade—Rasul—offers to get her some clean water to drink. As far as she knows, he’s a fearsome gang member, not a friend to children in need. Write or talk about a time when you were surprised by someone who turned out to be different than you expected.
- Cucu asks Safiyah to return to Kibera to get her mancala board. Similar to Safiyah’s rope bracelet, the mancala board is the only thing Cucu has left from village life. What is precious to you? What one thing would you take if you had to flee your home and community?
- When Safiyah returns home to get Cucu’s mancala board, she is greeted by her new neighbor. She knows many of the people who live in the slum. What is the importance of neighbors?
Why is being part of a community so important to us?
11. When Safiyah realizes Pendo has changed the nature of her mural, she becomes angry with her friend and begins to destroy the girl’s work. What would you say to Safiyah right now, if you could?
12. Despite Rasul’s tendency to look out for Safiyah, people in the community don’t trust him. Even if he hasn’t personally hurt them, they know about the unjust things he has done to others. Discuss how a person’s reputation shapes the way they are seen by other people.
13. Cucu tells Safiyah friendship is hard. Give an example of a time in your life where you have found this to be true.
14. In making up with Pendo, Safiyah realizes that words are easy—and that sometimes they make it too easy to hurt a good friend. How have you used words in the wrong way? What’s a good way to avoid doing this again?
15. Safiyah works on her mural until her eyes and body ache. She loves the work and wants to do an excellent job. What sorts of projects or pastimes do you feel passionate about?
16.Not only is Safiyah a gift to Cucu and her community, she also possesses artistic gifts. List five things in your world that you consider to be gifts. Now make a list of five gifts you have.
17.Safiyah and Cucu used to live in a rural village with a big community. Now they are forced to live in a Nairobi slum, where it’s a struggle to survive. Explain whether you agree or disagree with the statement: “Humans can adapt to anything.”
18. When Safiyah is being congratulated by her community, the women hug her and pinch her cheeks. This is a cultural ritual that shows approval. What rituals of approval have you found in your culture?
19. What does Cucu mean when she comments to herself on p. 91: " The people whose faces we cannot see...These are the ones we left behind." Please explain your thoughts.
20. Why did the media (i.e. local newpaper) become interested in the
mural? Why would it be an interesting story for the paper?
21. Why does Safiyah feel ashamed about being in the newspaper? How would you be feeling if you were in Safiyah's shoes?
22. Safiyah is receiving a scholarship to go to school. She decides she
doesn't want to be an artist anymore. Why do you think she
changed her mind? Do you agree or not? Explain your thinking.
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