Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Prologue-Chapter 2

Reading Check

1. What are the Gule Wamkulu?

2. Who is Hastings Kamuzu Banda?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is William fearful after swallowing the chewing gum?

2. What is the problem with getting haircuts in the trading center?

3. What is the moral of the Leopard and the Lion?

Paired Resource

“African Folktales”

• This site from the Anike Foundation links to a variety of African folktales.
• How do folktales blend reality and fantasy? How does this blend connect to the theme of Magic Versus Science?

Chapters 3-6

Reading Check

1. What disease does William’s Uncle John contract?

2. Why do the villagers visit Chief Wimbe?

3. Why does William want to attend a boarding school?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is William’s father concerned about handing over the family business to Jeremiah?

2. Why is January known as “the hungry season”?

3. Why do most Malawians go to bed at 7:00pm?

4. Why do genders eat separately in Malawi?

Paired Resource

“A Woman’s Place”