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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Despite the little boy's physical problems it was obvious that he possessed ______.

2. In what year did this event occur?

3. How old was Nanny at this point?

4. It was common for Bessie to shoo which group away from their street?

5. What was the name of Julia's husband?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Nanny's death change Sadie's role in the family? What was the family's reaction to the change?

2. What does Bessie say about the extra effort that must be put forth by Negroes?

3. Sadie relays the story of one of her first experiences in New York regarding strangers. What was the experience? What did Sadie learn?

4. Sadie and Bessie's neighbors in the projects were upset about the actions of the neighborhood kids. How did the sisters react to the issue?

5. Discuss Julia's move to New York. How did Julia's presence affect Bessie's attempt to get work?

6. The sisters talk about their situation during World War II. Discuss at least one issue the sisters had at that time.

7. What is written about the assassinations of the famous leaders of the time, particularly those involved in the Civil Rights Movement?

8. Discuss Sadie's difficulties during her first year at Pratt.

9. Who was Little Hubie? Why was he special? What happened to the child?

10. As one might expect, Bessie got the last word in the book. What was Bessie's final insight?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the professional careers of all ten children. Begin with the oldest and end with the youngest. How many were involved in the same or similar professions? Did any take after Henry or Nanny in their career choices? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Sadie talks about racism in the black community. Even though the sisters are from the same family, there was a difference in the way they were treated due to the shade of their skin tone. Do you think that the shade of one's skin matters as much today, or are all blacks treated equally? Do you think other races have the same opinions and/or experiences? How did the sisters handle the difference in treatment? How were the other children treated? Why do you think some were lighter than others?

Essay Topic 3

The Delany family attended school at St. Augustine's, as did their parents. Discuss in detail St. Augustine's school. Why did Henry and Nanny attend St. Augustine's? What were their majors? What made the Delanys decide to stay there? What kind of education did the children receive at the school? What jobs did Henry and Nanny have? Was St. Augustine's school a religious, private or public school? Where did the children go after leaving St. Augustine's school?

(see the answer keys)

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