Station #1
Chapter 1: “Memories”
Asgedom explains his exile to Sudan using the following
words: "We crossed the Sudanese border and arrived at a
city called Awad. A sign should have been posted at the
city limits: Awad, home of the exiled. Home of the
hopeless. Home of the diseased. A simple sign that would
warn and welcome us all. Welcome, all you refugees. All
you psychologically tormented. All of you physically
malnourished. All you uprooted. Rest your burdens here,
for you can rest them nowhere else. Rest your hopes here,
for no other place will accept them"(Asgedom 2).
Explain in 2-3 sentences how Mawi Asgedom communicates
the despair the refugees feel as they enter Sudan. Consider
the circumstances of the family as you respond.
Station #2
Chapter 2: “The Camp”
The entire chapter recounts Asgedom's memories of life
in Umsagata. In your opinion, what camp memory is the
most significant? Why? Explain your reasoning in 2-3
sentences.
Station #3
Chapter 3: “Coming to America”
The advice that Mawi’s countrymen give his family is
both encouraging and gloomy.
What advice is given? What is the significance of this
advice and how does it affect Mawi and his family’s outlook
on coming to America? Explain your reasoning in 2-3
sentences.
Station #4
Chapter 4: “A New Life”
What are the three (3) most significant events of this
chapter? Explain in 2-3 sentences why these events are the
most important? Please include page numbers when
referencing each event.
Station #5
Chapter 5: “God’s Angels”
Explain the symbolism attached to the “beetles” and
“angels” based on Chapter 5.
Who are examples of “beetles” and “angels” we have
met so far from the reading? These can be flat or round
characters. List at least two “beetles” and two “angels.”
For each character listed, explain what makes them a
“beetle” or an “angel”?
Station #6
Chapter 6: “Playground Warfare”
Towards the end of Chapter 6, Tewolde tells hilarious
stories of 5 Chinese brothers. Explain the symbolism of the
Chinese brothers.
In 2 sentences, explain how the stories relate to the
events of Chapter 6?
Station #7
Chapters 7 & 8: “Days of Mischief” & “Libee Migbar”
Examine the words of Mawi’s father, Haileab, in BOTH
chapters.
Note: Haileab’s words are ALWAYS capitalized.
What conclusions can you draw about Mawi’s father
from looking at his words?
Is he a noble man? Why or why not?
Station #8
Chapter 9: “Coffee Tales”
Why did Haileab have to flee Adi Wahla for the Sudan?
Why couldn’t he bring his family with him?
The Habesha women share many stories over coffee in
this chapter. Which story relates to any of the videos we
have watched so far in class? Explain the connection in a
sentence.
Station #9
Chapters 10 & 11: “The Making of a Man” & “The
Unmaking of a Man”
What are the most significant events everyone should
know after reading these two chapters? Explain your
reasoning.
Station #10
Chapter 12: “Eyeing the Mountaintop”
Why is Mawi “always thankful that Coach Kroger
stopped me alongside that bus freshman year” (Asgedom
115)?
Station #11
Chapter 13: “Father Haileab”
After reading this chapter, how would you describe
Mawi’s father, Haileab, to someone who has not read this
book? Use at least two examples from this chapter to
support your claim.
Station #12
Chapter 14: “Izgihare Yihabkoom”
What do you feel Mawi means when he says, “True
power comes from focusing on what we can give, not just
on what we can take”? (Asgedom 134).
Mawi is explaining an ironic situation in this chapter.
What is ironic about it?