Children of Blood and Bone Answer Key & Discussion Guide

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© Common Core English with Ease 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCUSSION GUIDE & ANSWER KEY
Children of Blood and Bone - Chapter Questions and Vocabulary
*Page numbers included in the answer key for vocabulary, short response and extended
response questions are based on the hard cover version of the novel.
Pre-Reading – Page 2 Chapter 30 – Page 53 Chapter 60 – Page 92

Chapter 1 – Page 3 Chapter 31 – Page 54 Chapter 61 – Page 94
Chapter 26 – Page 47 Chapter 56 – Page 86 Epilogue – Page 136
Chapter 27 – Page 49 Chapter 57 – Page 88 Post-Reading – Page 137
Chapter 28 – Page 50 Chapter 58 – Page 89
Chapter 29 – Page 52 Chapter 59 – Page 90
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Children of Blood and Bone Chapter Questions and Vocabulary
DISCUSION GUIDE & ANSWER KEY
Pre-Reading
Analysis Extended Response Questions
1. Theme # ___ Share your opinion on one theme of the novel using evidence from literature,
film or life.
a. Themes include: Every individual needs a sense of belonging and community; Reality
is subjective and shaped by perception; The concept of right and wrong are
subjective and conditioned; The unknown leads to fear and violence; Stereotyped
labels ignore individuality; Individuals hide their interior authentic identities with
exterior inauthentic personas; Hope can be a destructive and empowering force;
Prejudice requires dehumanization
b. Analysis answers will vary.
2. Theme # ___ Share your opinion on a second theme of the novel using evidence from
literature, film or life.
a. Themes include: Every individual needs a sense of belonging and community; Reality
is subjective and shaped by perception; The concept of right and wrong are
subjective and conditioned; The unknown leads to fear and violence; Stereotyped
labels ignore individuality; Individuals hide their interior authentic identities with
exterior inauthentic personas; Hope can be a destructive and empowering force;
Prejudice requires dehumanization
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Chapter 1 (page 3 – 20)
Vocabulary
1. Majacite: Weaponized alloy forged by King Saran before Raid to weaken diviners’ magic and
burn flesh (page 10).
2. Audacity: Rude or disrespectful behavior (page 12).
3. Ode: Fool (page 12).
4. Yoruba: Maji language outlawed after Raid - and real West African language (page 12).
5. Revered: (page 14).
6. Ibawi: Maji before powers manifest at age thirteen (page 14-15).
7. Oya: Goddess of Life and Death (page 17).
8. Kosidan: Orishan citizen with no magic potential (page 17).
Comprehension Short Response Questions
1. What color is Zelie’s hair and why?

a. Page 3
b. White like all diviners and Maji
2. Characterize Mama Agba.

a. Page 3
b. Village elder, lethal
c. Shaved head, dark brown skin
3. Who does Zelie fight at the graduation match?

a. Page 3
b. Yemi
4. Characterize Yemi.
a. Page 3-4
b. Smug: “Yemi clears her throat, a not so subtle reminder that she’s already
passed…”
c. Disrespectful, prejudiced: “No respect. She thinks because I’m a diviner, I’m
beneath her.”
d. “Killer instinct, fast fighter.”
5. What slur word does Yemi use to provoke Zelie?

a. Page 6
b. Maggot
6. Characterize Zelie.
a. Page 7-8
b. Brave, determined, kind
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7. How do Zelie and the other girls prepare for the unexpected arrival of the Orishan
soldiers?
a. Page8-9
b. Hide fighting staffs and turn ahere fighting area into a seamstress shop with
mannequins for sewing tribal fabric
8. What is the soldier’s purpose for entering Mama Agba’s ahere?

a. Page 9
b. Collect taxes
9. What are diviners meant to become?

a. Page 10
b. Maji
10. What happened to Zelie’s mother?

a. Page 11
b. Dragged away by guards
11. According to Mama Agba, why do the guards hate diviners?

a. Page 13
b. “They hate what you were meant to become”
12. How many Maji clans are there and what are their powers?
a. Page 14
b. 10 clans
c. Control water, control fire, read minds, peer through time, heal, cause disease,
tame wild beasts, wield light and darkness
13. When was the Raid, why did it happen and what happened?
a. Page 15
b. Some Maji abused power so they lost the magic and their hair color
c. The people without magic began to fear the people with magic
d. Fear turned to hate and hate turned to violence
e. 11 years ago, magic died so the Maji could not defend themselves against King
Saran’s Raids to kill them (including Zelie’s mother)
14. Characterize Tzain.

a. Page20
b. Zelie’s older brother, black hair, tall, muscular
1. Interpret and analyze how Zelie uses the same simile to characterize both Mama Agba
and Yemi similarly and differently. How does this enhance characterization and theme?
5
a. Page 7 and 12
b. Yemi: Bull horned Lionaire ready to pounce
c. Mama Agba: Bull horned Lionaire protecting her cub
d. Yemi is on offensive attack out of hate while Mama Agba is on defensive
protection out of love
e. Enhances theme of human’s tendency to resort to animalistic instincts when
they feel threatened or afraid
2. Paraphrase and analyze Mama Agba’s words and how they enhance a theme of the text:
“Valor does not always shine…Strength cannot always roar.”
a. Page 19
b. Courage is often hidden, quiet and not observable or known to others.
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Vocabulary
1. Ilorin: Ocean village where Zelie lives
2. Ahere: House
3. Agbon: Fighting competition with staffs
4. Nailah: Faithful Lionaire pet of Zelie
5. The Stocks: Labor force required to work if they can’t pay debts or taxes, often trapped in
stocks, working until death (page 28).
6. Ibadan: Town Zelie lived in with Mama (page 29).
7. Nefarious: Wicked or criminal (page 30).
8. Lagos: Market filled with rich nobles (page 30).
1. What is Tzain’s goal?

a. Page 22
b. To win money at the Orishan Agbon games
2. What is Zelie and Tzain’s daily responsibility?

a. Page 22
b. Load boats, sail out to sea at half past dawn to catch fish
3. Why can’t Baba be alone?

a. Page 26
b. “Blackouts”
4. Compare and contrast Baba before and after the Raid.

a. Page 28
b. He was a fierce warrior but is now weak and broken after being physically beaten
and after Mama was killed.
5. What does it mean for Zelie’s family that they lost the boat?
a. Page 29
b. No boat = no fish = no money = enslaved in stocks
6. Where do Tzain and Zelie plan to go and why?

a. Page 30-31
b. Lagos to trade the sail fish to rich nobles to get money to pay taxes and to buy a
new boat
7. Where will Baba go?

a. Page 31
b. Mama Agba’s while children are gone
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1. Make a text-to-world connection and analyze what allegory is enhanced by the

following quote: “[Tzain] wants to believe that playing by the monarchy’s rules will keep
us safe, but nothing can protect us when those rules are rooted in hate.”
a. Page 27
b. Text-to-World Connection & Allegory: Jim Crowe Laws, Apartheid, Segregation,
Marriage Equality
2. Identify, interpret and analyze the best metaphor used to characterize Tzain.
a. Page 29
b. “Always searching for an ember in the ashes.”
c. Optimistic, resourceful, self-reliant, hopeful, persevering
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Vocabulary
1. Gele: Headpiece that rich nobles wear (page 32)
2. Incite: Encourage or stir up (page 33)
3. Levity: the treatment of a serious matter with humor to ease tension (page 35)
4. Latent: Existing but not developed yet; hidden; concealed (page 39)
5. Pommel: Rounded knob of sword page 40)
1. Cite the most relevant text evidence that the female nobility is two-faced.
a. Page 32
b. “paste on smiles, though I know…” rumors that Amari is dark skinned because
queen slept with servant.
2. How does the “garish jewel” illustrate the difference between Amari and Oloye Ronke?
a. Page 32 -37
b. Amari was born into nobility while Oloye bought her way in
3. Characterize Amari’s mother.

a. Page 32-37
b. Wrathful, critical, overprotective
4. Characterize Inan.
a. Page 35
b. Amari’s brother, tall, handsome, leading his first patrol as Captain of the Guards,
Crown Prince, will someday be King
5. What is the beauty regimen Amari’s mother praises and why?

a. Page 36
b. Painful skin lightening process to achieve lighter skin to appear more noble and
to separate self from lower classes who work outside
6. What is the monarchy’s seal?

a. Page 37
b. Diamond studded snow leaponaire
7. According to Amari, what was her father’s motive for the Raid?
a. Page 40
b. Paranoia
8. According to Amari, what does everyone in the palace know?

a. Page 41
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b. Gods do not exist
9. What two artifacts are found that cause Saran concern?
a. Page 41
b. Sunstone and scroll that could not be destroyed by magic and have power to
bring magic back.
10. What can you infer about Kaea and King Saran?
a. Page 45
b. They are having an affair; they are in love
11. What might “light” be a symbol for?

a. Page 43 – 44
b. Self (embracing true self)
1. Provide examples from this chapter and other chapters that enhance the motif of
“guilt”.
a. Page 37
b. Amari feels guilty for giving Binta her bangle to pay off taxes because now she
may be caught and punished for theft
c. Zelie felt guilty for being a diviner which puts a heavy tax burden on her family
2. Contrast the two metaphors Amari uses to describe magic and analyze what theme or
allegory this enhances in the text.
a. Page 43
b. “monster without a face” vs “the joy of summer sun melts into…”
c. Could enhance theme or allegory of how racism makes people view a group of
people from a distant, racist perspective but then when they let go of prejudice
they can see individuals for their unique and beautiful spirit (instead of
stereotyping and hating them blindly as part of a group)
3. How does Saran characterize magic? Cite text evidence.

a. Page 43
b. “source of all evil”
c. “tears Orisha apart”
d. “Dangerous weapon threatening existence of Orisha”
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Vocabulary
1. Bazaar: Central trading market (page 53)
2. Coveted: something one years to possess or have (page 53)
3. Fervor: intense and passionate feeling (page 57)
1. How is Lagos different than Ilorin?

a. Page 48
b. “Hordes of people” instead of calming sea
2. Where was the biggest Maji population before the Raid?

a. Page 49
b. Lagos
3. What is Zelie’s last name?

a. Page 50
b. Adebola
4. What is illegal after the Raid but does not stop the guards from doing?
a. Page 51
b. Illegal for Maji and Kosidan to kiss
c. Guards still “paw at us like animals”
5. What three things does Zelie smell in the merchant’s quarter and Bazaar?
a. Page 53
b. Cinnamon, sweet bread and fried plantain
6. What figurative language does Zelie use to describe her interaction with the noble who
buys her fish? Cite a specific piece of text evidence.
a. Page 54 – 55
b. “I get the same rush I get when a fish circles bait”
c. “I know I’ve made my catch”
d. Metaphor comparing noble to prey/fish
7. What two hyperboles does Zelie use to describe the wait between when she thinks she
lost the sale to when the noble comes back to her? Cite a specific piece of text evidence.
a. Page55
b. “Each step lasts an eternity.”
c. “I crumble under the weight of my mistake.”
8. How much money does Zelie get paid for the fish and what will it buy?
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a. Page 56
b. 500 silver pieces
c. It will pay for a year of rest for Baba (a.k.a. taxes) and a new boat
9. Make a prediction. Who is the cloaked, amber-eyed girl?

a. Page 57
b. Opinion, answers will vary but correct answer is Amari
1. How are the slums personified and what allegory does this enhance?
a. Page 52
b. Some shanties “shine with bright paints and colorful art.”
c. The vibrant protest defies the title of slum, an ember of beauty where the
monarchy sees none.
d. Analysis answers will vary but may reference how people living in poverty in
impoverished neighborhoods, “project buildings” and “ghettos” beautify and
take pride in their homes or community spaces
2. Based on Zelie’s internal dialogue, how does she feel about herself? Cite text evidence.
a. Page 56
b. “I’ve done something right.”
c. “500 silver pieces…more than my life to lose.”
d. She feels like a screw-up who is not worth much.
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Vocabulary
1. Visceral: Relating to deep inward feelings; physical instinctive gut reaction (page 58)
2. Pandemonium: Wild and noisy disorder and confusion; uproar (page 59)
3. Skies: Noble curse word (page 61)
4. Imminent: About to happen (page 61)
5. Labyrinth: Maze (page 62)
6. Evading: Avoiding (page 62)
7. Serrated: Jagged edge; saw-like (page 64)
8. Brandish: Wave a weapon (page 65)
9. Alafia: Heaven-like afterlife (page 66)
1. Why does Zelie help the amber-eyed, copper-skinned girl? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 58
b. Mama Agba’s words: “You must protect those who cannot defend themselves”
c. “It doesn’t matter if I can’t help. I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t.”
2. Who are the guards looking for?

a. Page 59
b. Noble – Amari
3. What is the best evidence to show Zelie’s selflessness and courage?

a. Page 65
b. Willingly gives up freedom to help Amari
4. Who saves Zelie and Amari?

a. Page 66
b. Tzain and Nailah
5. What does Zelie feel when she locks eyes with the young captain? Cite specific text
evidence.
a. Page 66
b. “A shock like lightening surges through my veins”
c. Answers will vary but she may feel love, attraction, magic, connection, etc.
1. The author repeatedly compares humans to animals. Cite specific examples and analyze
what theme this enhances.
a. Answers will vary.
b. Cheetanaire, panthenaire, lion cub following mother
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2. The author repeatedly emphasizes the color of people and things. Analyze this motif of
color and explain how it enhances a theme or allegory in the text.
a. Answers will vary but may include reference to society’s obsession with labelling
people based on differences (of color) as a means to stereotype and discriminate
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Vocabulary
1. Alabaster: White substance (page 68)
2. Obsidian: Black glasslike volcanic rock (page 68)
3. Gall: Bold, disrespectful behavior (page 72)

1. What is Inan’s concern?
a. Page 68
b. Father’s disapproval
c. Fears failure = Believes the fact that can’t stop one thief is proof that he cannot
be king
2. Identify and interpret the figurative language used to describe Inan’s mother.
a. Page 69
b. “I can almost see the claws extending from her hands.”
c. Hyperbole
d. Theme: Humans revert to animal instincts when they feel fear, anger or threat to
survival
e. Characterization: Has strong maternal instincts of caring and protection: Goes
from maternal concern, love and weakness to angry and emotionless to those
that threaten them
3. What type of literary irony is enhanced by the last line of the chapter?
a. Page 73
b. “It’s not just any fugitive…It’s Amari.”
c. Dramatic Irony: Audience knows the fugitive is Amari while Inan and King Saran
did not.
1. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze how it enhances
characterization or theme: “Father sniffs out lies like hyenaires on the hunt.”
a. Page 69
b. Simile comparing father to dangerous, predatory animal
c. Enhances theme of humans reverting to animal instincts when they feel fear,
anger or threat to survival
2. What is the best text evidence to show how Inan feels about his feeling towards Zelie?
How are his feelings contradictory and how does this enhance a central allegory of the
novel?
a. Page 71
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b. “Faded scar that nicks her eyebrow, eyes like the moon, obsidian skin, lean build,
full lips, silver eyed, etc.”
c. “shudder, forcing the vile sensation away [prick of energy pulses under his skin]
as he thinks of her full lips, lean body and moon eyes.”
d. He is obviously attracted to her but tries to suppress it since it is both illegal and
socially unacceptable for them to be together
e. Enhances novel as allegory for African American history as suggests forbidden
nature of interracial relationships throughout history
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Vocabulary
1. Blanches: Grow pale from shock or fear (page 75)

2. Ashe: Divine power of gods in Maji blood (page 77)
3. Oya: Goddess of life and death (page 79)
Short Response Questions
1. Where did Zelie live before the raids?

a. Page 79
b. Ibadan
2. Why does Zelie not want to believe that the gods and magic are back? Cite specific text
evidence.
a. Page 77
b. “I barely picked up the shattered pieces of me after the raid. If they abandon me
once more, I won’t to be able to do it again.”
3. What kind of Magi was Zelie’s mom?

a. Page 78 – 79
b. Reaper: Control life and death
4. How do we see hatred and prejudice “going both ways” in the text?
a. Page 80
b. While King and nobles and those in power ruthlessly killed the Maji and currently
subjugate the Diviners and those associated with them, Zaine and Zelie hate
Amari solely for the fact that she has noble blood and family, regardless of who
she is as an individual.
Extended Response Questions
1. Why does the author choose to include references to nature that are seemingly
unnecessary to the conflict and plot? Cite evidence as you analyze how the author’s
choices to include nature references enhance the text.
a. Page 74
b. After the panicked escape from Lagos, the author writes: “As the crickets chirp in
the towering trees, I slide off the saddle.”
c. “He shouts with such fury that a family of blue whisked bee-eaters flees from the
trees overhead.”
d. Author contrasts the peace and strength of nature with the tumult and fearful
fragility of human-life
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e. Nature offers perspective to and escape from the daily struggles of human
suffering
2. Why is hope dangerous for Zelie? How does this enhance the allegory of the text?
a. Page 74
b. Answers may vary
c. Zelie does not want to hope and then be disappointed and broken again
d. Enhances allegory of slaves not hoping for freedom or black Americans not
hoping for equality as false hope can lead to a crushed spirit.
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Vocabulary
1. Carnage: The killing of a large number of people (page 82)
2. Avenged: Harm in return for a wrong done to oneself or another (page 82)
3. Blight: A plant disease (page 84)
1. Cite one piece of text evidence that could help the reader empathize with King Saran’s
intolerance of the Maji.
a. Page 81-82
b. “Maji were drunk with power, always plotting to overthrow the king…My father
fought to be fair, but that fairness got him killed.”
c. His father, older brother, first wife and first son were killed by Maji
2. What was the reason or motive that led Saran to lead the Raid?
a. Page 82
b. Avenged family’s death with Raid
3. Why does Inan’s head spin at his father’s words?

a. Page 82
b. He was always told that the gods do not exist but now he is told his father waged
war on the gods and that even the nobles once had magic.
4. What did Saran do to end magic?

a. Page 83
b. “severed the Maji’s spiritual connection the gods.”
1. Analyze the theme of power in the text. Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 81
b. Both sides have the same prejudices, fears and beliefs that the other side is
“drunk with power”
c. Instead of sharing power, both sides fight to control all power
2. Why did Saran kill the Maji? How is magic a symbol that enhances the allegory of the
text? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 83
b. “For magic to disappear for good, every Maji had to die. As long as they’d tasted
power, they would never stop fighting to bring it back.”
c. Magic is a symbol for freedom or equality or embracing true self
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d. This enhances the allegory of white slaveholders, politicians, police officers, and
other people in power killing (emotionally and/or physically) slaves who tried to
gain freedom and black citizens who tried to fight for equality under the law.
3. Extension Question: Would seeing your future change your current actions and fears?
How? Why?
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Vocabulary
1. Obscuring: Hard to see (page 88)
2. Seer: Someone who can see into the future (page 89)
3. Incantation: Magic spell (page 90)
4. Vanity: Excessive pride or admiration on one’s own appearance or achievements (page 91)
5. Sentaros: Protectors of magic and spiritual order (page 93)
1. Paraphrase the meaning of the following statement in your own words: “innocence only
luxury can breed.”
a. Page 88
b. Protected from harsh realities of “real life” to remain ignorant and naïve
2. What do we learn about Mama Agba and how did she hide it until now?
a. Page 89
b. She is a Maji, specifically a seer
c. Before the raid, she saw what would happen in the future so to save herself she
visited a cancer to make her silver hair fall out (which marked her as a Maji)
1. Analyze the simile used to describe Amari’s reaction to Ilorin, and how this enhances
characterization and theme.
a. Page 86
b. “She takes in every inch of the floating village like a starving laborer placed
before a majestic feast.”
2. What is the literal and figurative meaning of: “weighed down by the riches of royals”?
How is this ironic and what theme or conflict does it enhance?
a. Page 87
b. Answers may vary.
c.
3. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze what theme it
enhances: “Baba curled up like a wildcat in front of a heated flame”.
a. Page 87
b. Simile
c. Theme of humans being like animals in their primary desire being safety
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Vocabulary
1. Apadi: Eternal hell, reliving the worst of their pain from life (page 98)
2. Evade: Avoid (page 100)
1. What is Mama Agba’s vision?

a. Page 91
b. Amari, Zelie, Tzain and Nailah ascending jungle mountain on journey to bring
magic back with ritual scroll
c. Going to Chandomble – legendary temple and home of Sentaros
2. How has Zelie’s life changed from the beginning of the novel until now?
a. Page 93
b. Went from wanting to graduate and sell fish to rescuing princess, learning magic,
learning gods are real, and having sole power and responsibility to bring magic
back
3. Why does Zelie once again feel guilty?

a. Page 94
b. She feels responsible for the deaths of innocent people because she feels that it
is her fault the King’s guard used the blast powder in their attempt to find her
4. What is the best text evidence to show that Zelie never chooses the easy path?
a. Page 96-97
b. “You don’t have to continue this fight.” Zelie lets herself sink in water as if to
drown and escape life for peace but then she thinks, “No matter how much I
crave peace, the gods have other plans.”
5. How many people does Zelie feel responsible for killing?

a. Page 98
b. 4 including Bisi
6. How is Baba changed?

a. Page 99
b. Now has “fury” and “curses the monarchy”
c. He has not given up all the fight in him yet (as they believed before)
d. He wants to fight back and retaliate (unlike before)
7. Cite the best text evidence to characterize Tzain.

a. Page 100
b. “Tzain doesn’t know his place without keeping others safe.”
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c. He is a natural protector
d. Tzain is “not one to show his emotions. He saves his pain for the isolation of
night.”
e. He is reserved or strong for others. He has strong, emotionless exterior
1. In this text excerpt, why does Baba smile and what theme does this enhance: “Baba’s
face shines with a rare smile”?
a. Page 101
b. He has hope
c. Enhances theme of the power of hope
d. Before hope was dangerous but now it is powerful
2. In your opinion, is Zelie’s anger at Amari’s fears justified or part of the problem facing
Orisha?
a. Opinion. Answers will vary.
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Vocabulary
1. Shrewd: Sharp-witted; Clever (page 102)
2. Discretion: Acting or speaking to avoid offending or revealing delicate matter (page 102)
3. Eclipsed: Block out or deprive someone or something else of its full significance (105)
4. Concession: Something that is given in response to a demand or compromise (page 108)
5. Impales: Pierce with sharp point (page 108)
1. What similar thought and feeling do Inan and Zelie both have?
a. Page 102
b. Guilt over guards burning Ilorin
c. “blood of the innocent…stain my hands.”
2. How is Inan similar and different to Amari?

a. Page 102
b. Both don’t want senseless killing but Inan is willing to kill Diviners for his father’s
approval while Amari is not concerned with father’s approval
3. What does Inan see and realize about himself, and how does he feel about it?
a. Page 103-104
b. “Turquoise cloud…foreign image of diviner ignites in my head…The thrashing.
The vision. I should’ve known all along...Magic…I need to rip the treacherous
sensation from my skin…I need to get this virus out of me…”
c. He realizes he is a Maji and he views magic as a curse to hide, remove or destroy
4. Why did Inan feel a spark when he touched Zelie?

a. Page 104
b. He unknowingly touched the scroll that she was holding as they passed each
other
5. What passing thought or common saying does Inan use to describe Yemi’s lighter skin
color, and what does this reveal about his ingrained and unquestioned beliefs?
a. Page 108
b. “A father played in the mud” meaning a light-skinned noble father had a child
with a dark skinned Maji
c. Shows his ingrained, unquestioned, taken-for-granted prejudice and racism
1. Contrast Inan’s internal voice with his father’s voice that he hears in his head. How does
this enhance the novel as an allegory? Cite specific text evidence.
24
a. Page 103
b. Father’s voice in Inan’s head: “Duty before self…The safety of Orisha before my
conscience”
c. Inan’s voice: “But these villages are Orisha. They’re the people I’m sworn to
protect.”
d. Inan is conflicted
e. Enhances allegory: White American leaders uphold status quo. They claim “all
men are created equal” but promote slavery, segregation and racial injustice
f. Equality promoted in Constitution and Bill of Rights directly contradict the reality
of defacto (by fact: reality of everyday life) and dejure (by law) systems of racism
2. Interpret the figurative language used to describe Yemi and Inan’s interactions and
analyze how this enhances a major theme of the text.
a. Page 108
b. “Yemi meets my eyes with a hatred that impales me like a sword.”
c. Hyperbole that illustrates her hatred and his genuine hurt that she hates him
d. Enhances theme of prejudice
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Vocabulary
1. Conviction: Firmly held belief (page 110)
2. Premonition: Strong feeling that something is about to happen (page 110
3. Tangible: Clear; definite; Perceptible by touch (page 110)
4. Obscured: Blocked; Unable to be seen (page 111)
5. Connectors: Maji who wield power of mind, spirit and dreams (page 113)
1. What is Zelie feeling about the gods and her role in bringing magic back?
a. Page 110
b. Doubt and fear about her role
c. Feels small sense of comfort that Oya may actually be beside her side helping her
2. Where and with whom does Zelie wake, and of what does he accuse her?
a. Page 111
b. “Wakes” in a haze of field and reeds between sleep and awake with Inan
c. He accuses her of trapping him in this “Prison”
3. What type of Maji is Inan?

a. Page 113
b. Connector
1. Zelie wakes from being strangled by Inan to being “greeted by the familiar sound of
crickets and dancing leaves.” What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 114
b. Nature as sanctuary and as offering stability and perspective compared to
erratic, dangerous human behaviors
2. How does Inan’s self-loathing, anger and rage against himself enhance a central theme
or allegory of the text?
a. Page 114
b. Enhances theme and novel as allegory for African American history because Inan
is an example of someone who has “internalized racism”: Just as Inan hates
himself for his magic abilities because he has internalized the widespread
prejudice against the Maji, many African Americans have internalized negative,
racist beliefs about their own appearance, abilities and identity.
26
Vocabulary
1. Demure: Acting reserved, modest or shy (page 117)
2. Bristle: Angry, defensive, fearful or alert reaction (page 118)
3. Chafe: Annoy because of rubbing, restriction or inconvenience (122)
4. Retort: Sharp, angry or witty reply to a rude remark or accusation (123)
5. Coddled: Treated in indulgent or overprotective way (124)
6. Wares: Goods to be sold (125)
7. Amulet: Jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger or disease (128)
1. Compare and contrast Zelie vs. Tzain’s feelings towards Amari.

a. Page 116 – 117
b. Zelie gets bitter taste in mouth looking at Amari and wonders why Amari didn’t
slit her throat in the night. She despises and mistrusts her
c. Tzain is kind to Amari and gives her cloak when she is cold, which angers Zelie
2. What was Sokoto known for before the Raid?

a. Page 122
b. Home to the best healers
3. What does Zelie see that gives her some compassion for Amari?
a. Page 121
b. Gruesome scar on her back
4. What assumption does Zelie make about those of noble blood that she realizes is
wrong?
a. Page 125
b. That they are safe and protected and have experienced no cruelty
5. Where do we see Zelie feel more empathy for Zelie’s pain?

a. Page 128
b. She can relate to Amari’s attachment to Binta’s headdress because she is
similarly attached to her own mother’s amulet
6. What is the best evidence to show Zelie’s changing view of Amari?

a. Page 129
b. “Where’s the spoiled princess I wanted to choke yesterday…Can she actually
wield a sword?”
7. What moment marks the turning point in Zelie and Amari’s relationship?
a. Page 129 – 130
27
b. Zelie throws fruit and Amari slices it with sword.
1. Is Zelie being too hard on Amari when she says: “I’m supposed to bad because her
father killed the one Maji servant she liked? Where’s her outrage been all these years?
Where was she after the Raid?”
a. Page 120
b. Opinion. Answers will vary.
2. Zelie thinks: “How strange that she was born to rule a kingdom she’s never seen.” How
does this line enhance a central allegory of the text?
a. Page 123
b. Answers may vary but this is true of white, male politicians making policy,
budget cuts, tax laws and social programs for rural and urban low-income
communities they do not understand, let alone visit.
28
Vocabulary
1. Quelled: Subdue, silence or put an end to rebellious or disorderly behavior (page 131)
2. Rancid: Bad smell associated with rotting or decomposing food or dead bodies (page 134)
3. Menacing: Threatening; Suggesting presence of danger (page 134)
1. What is the name of Inan’s snow leaponaire?

a. Page 132
b. Lula
2. What is Inan afraid that Kaea will see?

a. Page 131 – 132
b. The growing white streak in his hair – that exposes him as a Maji
3. Cite a specific piece of text evidence that shows the simple plan Inan tries to stay
committed to.
a. Page 131-132
b. “Kill the girl. Kill magic.”
1. What figurative language does Inan use to describe his magic? Interpret the literal
meaning of the figurative language and analyze what theme or allegory it enhances.
a. Page 131 and 134
b. “The magic’s getting stronger. Like a parasite feeding on my blood.”
c. Simile
d. Compares his magic to an evil curse
e. Enhances theme/allegory of internalized racism as he views his own qualities as
something repulsive to be removed
2. Make a prediction. Will Inan’s magic be discovered? Will he suppress or embrace it? Will
he join Amari or will he join King Saran? Will he be killed if his magic is discovered? As
you make your predictions, keep in mind that the text is an allegory for African
American history and current events. Cite textual evidence to support your prediction.
a. Page 134 – 135
b. Opinion. Answers will vary but must include text evidence.
29
Chapter 15 (136 – 144)
Vocabulary
1. Consort: Companion or associate that brings disapproval of others (139)
2. Runes: An ancient letter or symbol (142)
3. Frieze: Sculpted wall (142)
4. Oscillations: Back and forth movement at regular speed or intervals (142)
5. Oculus: A round opening (142)
1. What question “haunts” Amari?

a. Page 138
b. “I thought we could escape through the tunnels beneath the palace. Once we
got out, we could never go back. It all felt so certain in that moment, but did
Binta always know it was a dream she’d never see?”
2. What theme does the following quote enhance: “The promise of Chandomble can only
take us so far”?
a. Page 139
b. The simultaneous importance and danger of hope
3. According to Amari, what would Amari’s mother have Tzain jailed for?
a. Page 139
b. Taking his shirt off in the presence of a royal
4. What happens when Zelie touches the first skull?

a. Page 139 – 140
b. The jungle heat turns freezing as Zelie feels the skulls’ former life and spirit
5. What happens when Zelie touches the second skull?

a. Page 141
b. A lighted gold image appears of the temple in its former glory
6. What effect does the temple have on Zelie?

a. Page 140
b. It amplifies her ashe (magic power)
7. What happens when Zelie holds the horn in the hands of the female deity statue?
a. Page 143
b. She can “hear” it
c. Her hands glow with glittering, silver light
d. A large tile slides away from the floor, revealing a hidden staircase spiraling
down to a dark room
30
8. What happens at the end of the chapter in the dark secret room?
a. Page 144
b. The door closes behind them
c. A hiss of poison leaks into the room
d. Tzain collapses
1. Analyze how the recurring dream motif enhances a central theme, conflict or
characterization in the novel. In your answer, include the different types of dreams
referenced in the text and how dreams seem to differ from life.
a. Page 136
b. “I used to dream of climbing”
c. Answers will vary.
2. Analyze the theme of trust in the text. Cite specific evidence from the text that
enhances this theme.
3. Extension Question: Draw the inside of the temple

4. Extension Question: Make a prediction. How will they escape the room?
31
Vocabulary
1. Rudimentary: Basic (page 147)
2. Stout: Thick, heavy build (page 147)
3. Luminescent: Having light, shining, glowing properties (page 148)
4. Incriminating: Make someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing (page 149)
5. Infirmary: Hospital or institution to care for sick patients (page 149)
6. Stifle: Restrain or stop an action or emotion (page 149)
7. Cower: Crouch down in fear (page 149)

1. Why does “a hush cut through the air” when Inan’s legion enters Sokoto?
a. Page 145
b. They are the only guards
c. People have never seen the Orishan seal because they don’t post guards at
travelling settlements because residents change every few days.
2. Why does Inan feel disappointment and relief that Zelie is not in Sokoto?
a. Page 146
b. He has conflicted feelings about her and simultaneously wants to see her, catch
her and have her escape
3. What does Inan steal in the market and why?

a. Page 148
b. Black dye to hide the white Maji streak in his hair
4. What memory does the sight of Amari’s headdress bring back to Inan?
a. Page 149
b. The moment he hurt her
c. Binta gave Amari the mother’s headdress to comfort her
5. What is the purpose of the italicized text in this chapter?

a. Page 149
b. Inan’s flashback / memory
6. What does Inan believe to be true about his sister when he sees her headdress?
a. Page 149
b. He believes she would not part with it unless she were dead
1. What figurative language is used to describe the mother in Sokoto and how does this
figurative language enhance the text?
32
a. Page 147
b. “Snarling like a snow leaponaire guarding its only cub.”
c. Simile
d. Enhances characterization as protective. Enhances theme that humans resort to
animal instincts when they feel fear or threat to survival
2. How is Inan changing and how does the author show you this change?
a. Page 150-151
b. The author uses Inan’s actions, dialogue, thoughts and interactions to show how
he is changing
c. He does not want to kill the merchant
d. He used to want his father’s approval, blindly following “duty before self” while
now he questions what this means to him personally
e. He no longer believes “one kingdom is worth more than one life”
33
Chapter 17
Vocabulary
1. Unyielding: Not giving in or giving up in the face of pressure (page 152)
2. Sentaro: Mind reader (page 153)
3. Deflect: Cause to change direction or course (page 154)
4. Conviction: Firmly held belief (page 154)
5. Cascade: Flowing like a waterfall (Page 154)
1. What is the Sentaro’s magical power and how do you know?

a. Page 153
b. He can read minds
c. The Sentaro finishes Amari’s silent thought aloud when he says, “Scroll?”
2. What figurative language does Amari use to describe Binta’s magic? How does this
enhance her changing perspective?
a. Page 154
b. “More beautiful than the sun’s own rays”
c. Metaphor
d. Shows her support and awe of magic, which is the opposite of how she was
raised to feel
3. What did King Saran steal from the Sentaros?

a. Page 153
b. The Scroll
1. Analyze the theme of trust in the text. Cite specific evidence from the text that
enhances this theme.
2. Again and again, the author illustrates the conflicting motives, values and beliefs of
various characters. What theme do these internal conflicts enhance?
34
Chapter 18
Vocabulary
1. Senbaria: Language of gods that are the symbols tattooed on the Sentaro’s neck and that
became the spoken language of Yoruba (page 156)
2. Yoruba: language used to cast magic - and real West African language (page 156)
3. Gravitas: Dignity, seriousness or solemnity of manner (page 158)
4. Imbued: Inspired by or permeated with a specific feeling or quality (162)
5. Concedes: Gives in (page 168)
6. Yemoja: Goddess of Sea (160)
7. Tiders / Omi Clan: Maji who control water “twist the waters to their will” (page 161)
8. Sango and Burners: God and Maji of fire, respectively (161)
9. Ayao and Winders: God and Maji of wind, respectively (161)
10. Oya and Reapers: God and Maji of life and death, respectively (161)
11. Sunstone: Living fragment of Sky Mother’s soul (161)
1. Who could meet the Sentaros before the Raid?

a. Page 156
b. Leaders of the ten Maji clans
2. What is the Sentaro’s name and its meaning?

a. Page 157
b. Lekan / Olamilekan
c. “My wealth is increased”
3. What does the mural depict?

a. Page 157
b. The origin of the gods
4. What do the gods embody?

a. Page 159
b. Different fragments of Sky Mother’s soul
5. Cite one piece of text evidence that explains why the Maji population dwindled.
a. Page 161
b. The gods “realized that not all her children could handle such great power. She
became selective…sharing…with only those with patience and wisdom.”
6. Why do Maji have white hair?
a. Page 161
b. Homage to Sky Mother’s image
7. What is the Sentaro’s purpose?
35
a. To protect the gods’ will on earth
b. To act as spiritual guardians
c. To connect Sky Mother’s spirit to the Maji
8. What must happen on the Centennial Solstice?

a. Page 164
b. Must use scroll, sunstone and bone dagger to recite the ancient incantation on
the scroll to perform the sacred ritual on the sacred island (home to temple of
gods) that appears on that day
c. Create new blood anchors to restore the connection to Sky Mother and magic
for 100 more years
9. Who must be the next mamalawo to perform the ritual?

a. Page 165
b. Zelie
1. Zelie compares the hidden tapestries and painting before the raid to “flickering rays of
light.” She then says, “The mural is like staring at the face of the sun.” Write a
comparative essay to compare and contrast the meaning of both of these examples of
figurative language and analyze how they enhance a central motif or theme in the novel.
a. Page 158
b. Answers may vary.
c. Enhances theme or motif of light and dark, hope, freedom, etc.
d. What was once just a ray flickering light now has the full strength of the face of
the sun
36
Vocabulary
1. Evades: Avoids (page 174)
2. Octave: A musical note of frequency of vibration in a certain pitch of sound (page 174)
3. Ornate: Made or decorated with intricate care or complex design (page 175)
4. Chasm: Deep divide (page 175)
1. Why is Inan’s magic growing?

a. Page 173
b. Closer to Chandomble
2. Compare and contrast Amari and Inan based on Inan’s memory.

a. Page 174
b. Inan did not defy father while Amari did
3. What finally convinces Inan to strike his sister and what does this reveal about him as a
character?
a. Page 175
b. His father goads him: “Show me you can be king.”
c. He wants to prove he is good enough to be king and is motivated to do anything
that will win his father’s respect and approval
4. In your opinion, were Amari’s actions a sign of weakness or strength?

a. Page 175
5. What is the best text evidence to show that Inan has changed?
a. Page 175
b. “I failed my sister once. I will not repeat the mistake again.”
c. He no longer obeys father and instead follows his own inner compass.
6. What does Inan call his father’s commands?

a. Page 179
b. Law
1. What figurative language does Inan use to describe magic and how could this be an
allusion to the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden?
a. Page 173
b. “Magic slithers inside me” metaphor/allusion to snake
37
c. “Venomous like a thousand spiders crawling over my skin” simile
d. “It wants more of me” personification
e. Compares magic to a snake which alludes to snake in the Garden of Eden and
tree of knowledge which suggests that magic may be a symbol of knowledge.
Both knowledge and magic give power but also negative repercussions and
danger to those who possess it
2. Based on the text and your own prior knowledge, how is the concept of right and wrong
subjective or conditioned by prior experience?
a. Page 176
c. Text repeatedly shows that different characters and groups have different ideas
about right vs. wrong – meaning the concept is subjective or conditioned
3. Extension Question: Inan claims, “I will save her from herself.” Make a prediction. Will
he do the right thing this time?
a. Page 176
38
Vocabulary
1. Quivers: tremble or shake (page 177)
2. Maturation: Maturing or developing fully (page 177)
3. Stifle: Suppress, restrain or prevent (page 178)
4. Incapacitates: To prevent from functioning normally (page 179)
5. Malice: The desire or intention to do evil (page 179)
6. Impale: Pierce or stab with something sharp (page 181)
1. Who do they run from?

a. Page 177
b. Inan
2. What incantation does Lekan use to escape the guards?

a. Page 179
b. “Sleep. Spirit. Sleep.”
3. In what order do Zelie, Amari, Tzain and Nailah cross the bridge?
a. Page 183
b. Tzain, Nailah, Amari, Zelie
4. What happens to Lekan?

a. Page 184
b. He dies saving Zelie from falling
1. In your opinion, will Inan be able to pursue Zelie, Amari and Tzain? How do you know?
Write a persuasive essay to explain what will happen next. Cite evidence to support your
prediction.
a. Page 183 – 184
b. Bridge falls
c. Opinion. Answers will vary.
39
Vocabulary
1. Collateral: Something pledged as security or assurance for repayment (page 186)
2. Rustic: Plain or simply made; relating to the countryside (page 187)
3. Psyche: The human soul or spirit (page 187)
4. Teemed: To be full or swarming with (page 187)
5. Manicured: Trimmed neatly (page 187)
6. Resurgence: Increase or revival after a period of little activity (page 188)
7. Concession: Something given or yielded in response to demands, compromise or
negotiations (page 188)
1. What is Inan’s coping strategy for calming himself?

a. Page 185
b. Counting to ten
2. How has magic changed for Inan?

a. Page 185
b. Gone from unreal to real
c. Gone from tales, stories and father’s fears to reality (“breath, strike, attack, kill”)
3. Cite one piece of text evidence that shows what “Inan understands now”?
a. Page 186
b. “With magic we die”
4. What choice does Inan make and how does this affect him physically?
a. Page 186
b. He releases his control over his magic
c. He feels stronger
d. His stomach lurches
e. He feels pulsing sensation
f. The pressure in his chest releases
5. What is the purpose and meaning of Inan’s italicized thought: “But without it…”
a. Page 186
b. He is dead if he chooses to welcome or use his magic against the enemy
c. He is betraying his father
d. He is letting go of duty
40
1. What animal metaphor is used to describe the effect of magic? What theme does this
enhance?
a. Page 185
b. “In the face of magic, we become ants”
c. “Alive [Maji]…a beast”
d. He looks “strangely human”
e. Enhances theme of humans being like animals when experiencing danger, threat
and fear
f. Enhances themes of power and dominance
2. When Inan suppresses his magic, his stomach hurts. What is magic a symbol for and
what is Inan’s suppression of his magic an allegory for?
a. Page 187
b. Magic = true self
c. His struggle is an allegory for the struggle to embrace one’s true self. Answers
will vary but should include a text-to-world connection regarding African or
African American history or current events
41
Vocabulary
1. Bleak: Cold; miserable; lacking life, hope or charm; dreary; inhospitable (page 192)
2. Fathom: Understand after much thought (page 192)
3. Lenient: Permissive; merciful; tolerant (page 193)
4. Grounders: Can control sand and land in general (page 195)
5. Gallant: Brave; heroic (page 195)
6. Conspicuous: Standing out very visibly; attracting notice or attention (page 197)
7. Aghast: Filled with horror or shock (page 198)
8. Deferential: Showing respect (page 199)
9. Amphitheater: Unroofed, circular building with central stage for performance (page 200)
10. Edifice: Large, imposing building (page 200)
11. Acrid: Having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell (page 200)
12. Babaluaye: God of Health and disease who has relic (jewel of life) to grant eternal life (200)
1. According to Amari, what was Binta’s gift?

a. Page 192
b. She found the beauty in everything
2. How many days are there until the solstice?

a. Page 194
b. 13 days
3. What settlement did they find in the desert to look for the scroll?
a. Page 194 – 195
b. Ibeji
4. What does Amari see that she finds “almost too hard to bear”?
a. Page 198
b. Diviners and laborers in stocks in rags and chains
5. What does Zelie do with the water Amari buys for one gold piece per cup?
a. Page 199
b. She gives it to the laborers in the stocks
6. What are the laborers in Ibeji for?

a. Page 200
b. To compete in the Arena
7. What have they found at the end of the chapter and what is this called by the nobles of
Ibeji?
42
a. Page 201
b. Sunstone
c. Ohun eso aiye = jewel of life (stone) grants eternal life
1. A recurring theme in the text is that reality and the notion of right and wrong are
subjective. Cite text evidence from this chapter to analyze this theme.
a. Page 192
b. Answers will vary.
2. Compare and contrast Amari’s childhood longings with her current reality and analyze
how this enhances a central theme about expectation versus reality.
a. Page 191
b. As child, she wanted to explore the world outside of the palace walls
c. Now, she is in “the hell of the jungle “with mosquitos, sweat and jagged stones,
and the desert. She is now “convinced there’s no limit to the hells Orisha can
hold.”
3. Amari grows hopeless as she faces “endless mountains of sand” and believes “sand is all
I have left.” How are these physical obstacles symbolic of life’s obstacles?
a. Page 192
43
Vocabulary
1. Alafia: Peace or heaven of god’s love (page 202)
2. Apadi: Hell, and pain of earth; reliving worst moments of human memory (page 202)
3. Incites: Encourage or stir up violent or unlawful behavior (203)
4. Rudder: Wood flat paddle secured at back of boat for steering (204)
5. Obliterate: Utterly destroy or wipe out (205)
6. Disparate: Extremely different from one another with no comparison (206)
7. Crimson: Rich deep red inclining to purple (206)
1. What is one sacred duty of the Reapers?

a. Page 203
b. Guide lost spirits to Alafia
2. Why can’t some spirits rise to Alafia?

a. Page 203
b. Weighed down by sin or trauma
c. Can’t rise from earth because bound to pain
3. 3. What can Zelie feel as an awakened Reaper?

a. Page 202 – 203
b. Spirits of the dead
c. Taste of blood
d. “spirits torture, unyielding agony, never ending pain”
4. What does Zelie believe is a mirage in the arena? Why?

a. Page 204
b. “Endless wave of water rushes in”
5. How long has it been since anyone survived the arena fight?
a. Page 204
b. 2 moons (about 2 months)
6. According to Zelie, what is the “prison I can’t escape”?

a. Page 206
b. Feeling every death
44
1. What does the arena remind you of from ancient history? How are the arena activities
an allusion to an actual place and form of entertainment from history? Analyze the
allusion and how it enhances a central theme of the text.
a. Page 204
b. Allusion: Millions of enslaved gladiators fought to the death in the Colosseum in
ancient Rome
c. Theme: Answers will vary but may include reference to ability to dehumanize
others or to resort to animalistic, barbaric tendencies
2. Compare and contrast the reactions and perspectives of the forced laborers of the crew
(rowers) and the ten captains. How does this enhance a theme, allusion or allegory of
the text?
a. Page 204
b. Laborers cower, cry and feel helpless since they are acting against their will
c. Captains are fearless and only care about winning immortality since they are in
control of their choices
d. Theme answers will vary. May enhance theme of reality being subjective or
allegory/allusion to Colosseum and gladiators
45
Chapter 24
Vocabulary
1. Enigma: “Endless mystery I can’t crack” (page 207)
2. Apprehension: Anxiety or fear that something bad will happen (page 208)
3. Traversing: Travelling across or through (page 209)
4. Vigor: Physical strength or good health (page 209)
5. Remnants: Small remaining quantity of something (page 209)
6. Imposing: Grand and impressive in appearance (page 210)
7. Entities: Something with a distinct and independent existence (page 210)
8. Chiseled: Strongly and clearly defined or shaped (page 210)
9. Ori: God of Mind, Spirit and Dreams (page 210)
10. Rue: Bitterly regret (page 211)
1. Cite the best text evidence that illustrates how Inan’s attitude towards his magic is
changing.
a. Page 209
b. “Though the buzz of magic still makes my stomach clench, my body revels in its
new freedom. It’s as if I’ve spent years drowning under water. For a moment I
get to suck in air.”
2. What does seeing the mural force Inan to see and how does this change his view of his
father?
a. Page 210
b. The truth, which is that the gods are real
c. His father was wrong. Those that believe in gods are not weak
d. He had faith in the throne but now he sees it is true and not weak to have faith
in the gods
1. How does Inan characterize his sister when he sees her in commoner’s clothes in his
vision? What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 208
b. He characterizes her as “a web of emotions spinning behind a wall of silence”
c. Theme: Individuals use their exterior to hide interior
2. Predict if you believe Inan’s words will come true or if you believe he will eventually
embrace and protect magic: “You’ll [Ori will] regret this…The magic [Ori] cursed me with
will be magic’s undoing.”
a. Page 211
46
Vocabulary
1. Carnage: The killing of a large number of people (page 212)
2. Vengeance: punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for a wrong (page 212)
3. Deranged: Insane; disturbed; irrational; unstable (page 217)

1. What lie does Zelie tell the guards and why?
a. Page 216
b. To prevent being punished for breaking in, she pretends to be a lost noble,
saying: “I want to enter your games. Let me compete tomorrow night.”
2. When can’t Zelie feel someone die?

a. Page 216
b. When they go straight to Alafia
3. How many days do they have left to reach the sacred island?
a. Page 16
b. 13 days
4. What is Zelie’s plan for fighting in the arena?

a. Page 217
b. Using incantation to transform dead spirits into soldiers to defeat other
competitors
5. Why can’t Zelie feel her magic and how does she get her magic back?
a. Page 220
b. She must release Minoli and help her pass to the afterlife
1. Who are the narrators of the novel? How does this changing point of view enhance the
story? How would the story be different if it were only told by one first-person or third-
person narrator?
a. Point of view changes between four main characters: Zelie, Amari, Tzain and
Inan
2. How does the allusion to the Red Sea enhance a central conflict, theme or allegory?
Analyze the allusion to the Red Sea and cite any other biblical allusions that enhance the
text.
a. Page 212
b. Answers will vary
47
Chapter 26 (page 222- 233)
Vocabulary
1. Radiate: Emit energy, heat or light (page 222)
2. Ethereal: heavenly or spiritual (page 223)
3. Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal act (page 224)
4. Whims: Sudden unexplained desires or impulsive changes of mind (page 225)
5. Menaces: People or things likely to cause harm, threat or danger (page 227)
6. Indecipherable: Not able to be read or understood (page 228)
7. Unbridled: Uncontrolled; unrestrained (page 229)
8. Ashen: Very pale (color of ash) with shock, fear or illness (page 230)
9. Abhor: Regard with disgust or hatred (page 231)
1. What do Inan and Zelie both believe about the “other side” of the conflict (Maji vs.
Kosidan)?
a. Page 224 and 227
b. The “other” side killed their family
c. The “other” side is at fault
2. Why does Inan feel guilty on behalf of his father’s actions?

a. Page 223
b. He wishes his father didn’t kill innocent children at the temple of Sentaros
3. What does Inan do to Kaea, and why does he feel guilty?

a. Page232
b. Inan kills Kaea by accident losing control of his magic
c. He feels guilty because his father loves Kaea
4. What does Inan believe are his “traitorous thoughts”? What conflict and theme does
this enhance?
a. Page 222
b. He feels peaceful, free, at home and like he belongs when he is using his magic in
dreamscape
c. This is against his father’s wishes, his upbringing and his “duty” to kill magic and
kill Zelie
d. He wants to view magic as a curse even though he finds it peaceful
1. Inan thinks: “I don’t have a choice…I must follow the plan….” because of his “duty” to
kill Zelie and kill magic. In your opinion, does Inan have a choice? If yes, what are his
48
choices and why does he feel like he does not have a choice? Do you think he, and
everyone, always has a choice? Why or why not? Cite evidence from the novel and life.
a. Page 222
2. Why does Kaea have no recognition and only unbridled fear when she looks at Inan?
What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 229
b. She sees he is a Maji using his magic and instantly can no longer see his
individuality or humanity
c. Theme of blind prejudice
3. In your opinion, are motives more important than actions or do actions speak louder
than our intentions?
a. Page 232
49
Vocabulary
1. Fortified: Strengthen with defensive works to protect against attack (page 234)
2. Carnage: Killing of a large number of people (page 234)
3. Novelty: New, original or unfamiliar experience or thing (page 234)
4. Strategize: Come up with a plan or strategy (page 235)
5. Devour: Eat or consume quickly or destructively (page 235)
6. Gaunt: Haggard, thin, grim or desolate because of suffering, hunger or age (page 235)
7. Elocution: The skill of clear and expressive speech (page 236)

1. How does Amari feel about fighting in the arena?
a. Page 234 – 235
b. “any fate would be better”
c. “to our death we go”
d. She tries to be brave but hopes the crew will revolt so they don’t have to fight
2. How do Tzain and Zelie feel differently than Amari about the arena game?
a. Page 235
b. They are confident while she is terrified
3. Cite the most relevant piece of evidence that enhances the theme that different classes
and groups do not trust each other.
a. Page 236
b. “You can’t fool us with bread…Even if we win, you’ll kill us and keep the gold.”
1. What part of herself does Amari hate and where else do we see this same emotion in
another character? What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 236
b. “hating the small part of me that wants them [the crew] to revolt. Without a
crew we couldn’t enter the arena…Be brave.”
c. She hates her fear and perceived cowardice.
d. Enhances theme of exterior not matching or hiding interior
e. Inan also hates part of himself (magic) and Zelie hates her magic for endangering
her family
2. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze what mood it
enhances: “The air seems to hold its breath as we wait for his decision.”
a. Page 236
b. Personification
c. Enhances tense mood or suspense
50
Vocabulary
1. Delegated: Assigned or entrusted to a task (page 237)
2. Seasoned: Experienced; Knowledgeable about particular conditions (page 237)
3. Maneuver: Carefully planned scheme or plan of action (page 237)
4. Frenzied: Wildly excited or uncontrolled (page 239)
5. Futile: Pointless; incapable of producing any useful result (page 239)
6. Quell: Put an end to; subdue or silence; suppress (page 239)
7. Brine: Salt water (page 239)
1. Identify and interpret the following example of figurative language n: “My feet grow
heavy like lead.”
a. Page 237
b. Simile
c. She feels unable to move forward because of fear
2. How does Amari show bravery?

a. Page 239
b. She is terrified and given an “easy out” of the games when Tzain gives her a
legitimate excuse and permission to not fight but she still fights
3. What is the purpose of the word “entertainment” appearing in quotes in the text?
a. Page 293
b. It shows the irony of this gruesome spectacle being lightly called entertainment
and shows Amari’s verbal irony as she does not view it as entertainment
4. What terrible realization strikes Amari at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 239
b. “Last night there were 10 boats. Today, there are 30.”
5. Compare and contrast Zelie and Tzain vs. Amari’s type of bravery.
a. Page 238
b. Zelie and Tzain have no fear or doubt and act boldly
c. Amari is terrified but she still acts anyway
characterization or theme: “I hold onto Baba’s words, wrapping them around me like a
suit of armor.”
a. Page 239
51
b. Simile
c. Enhances recurring theme of the power of words to give people strength,
motivation and conviction
d. Characterization and theme answers will vary.
2. How is the following mentality and literary theme evident throughout the novel and in
real life: “For one of us to live, the other must die”?
a. Page 239
b. Enhances recurring theme and allegory in text that people think they cannot
coexist with others that are unlike themselves. They feel they must defeat
individuals from other groups (Kosidan vs. Maji; black vs. white, etc.)
Perpetuates idea of conflict between different races and ethnic groups
3. Extension Question: Can you be brave without feeling fear? What does it mean to be
brave?
52
Vocabulary
1. Surveys (verb): Look over carefully and thoroughly (page 240)
2. Riles: Make someone annoyed or irritated or overly excited (page 240)
3. Alliance: Relationship based on mutual benefit (page 240)
4. Goading: Annoy to provoke a reaction (page 241)
1. How do Zelie’s feelings and thoughts seem to change from Chapter 28 to the beginning
of Chapter 29?
a. Page 240
b. Confident and self-assured to “betraying all my fear”
2. What is Tzain’s new plan after realizing there are 30 boats instead of 10?
a. Page 240
b. Form alliance with nearby boats and target further away boats
3. According to Zelie, there is no chance to back out. What are their only two options?
a. Page 242
b. “Get the stone…or die trying.”
4. What color light glows in Zelie’s hand?

a. Page 243
b. Lavender
5. What do the animations accomplish?

a. Page 244
b. They sink an entire ship and save one girl by pulling her to a piece of driftwood
1. Compare and contrast Zelie and Amari.

a. Page 240
b. Both are fearful but hide their fear behind a brave front
c. The both have self-doubt, believing they cannot do what they need to do.
2. Analyze the figurative language Zelie uses to describe the actions of the animations and
analyze how it enhances the text.
a. Page 244
b. “Tear through the water with the speed of arrows.”
c. Simile enhances pace and intensity of conflict, suspenseful mood, etc.
53
Vocabulary
1. Oblivion: Extinction; State of being forgotten or unaware (page 246)
2. Precision: Quality of being exact and accurate (page 246)
3. Mayhem: Violent or damaging disorder; chaos (page 246)
4. Mast: Tall pole to support sail of ship (page 248)
1. What word takes on new meaning for Amari?

a. Page 246
b. Chaos
2. How is Amari’s internal, italicized, dialogue similar to Inan’s?

a. Page 247
b. Both hear their father’s commands
3. What does Amari believe she cannot do? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 247
b. “After all these years, I still can’t. Nothing has changed. I cannot move. I cannot
fight. I can only stand still.”
1. What theme about “choices” is enhanced in this chapter? Cite text evidence.
a. Page 247
b. Evidence: Amari may regret her choice but she still went ahead and made the
choice to disobey her father
c. Theme: You always have a choice regardless of circumstances
d. Answers will vary.
2. How does the use of connotative language in this chapter enhance a chaotic mood? Cite
specific diction or word choice.
a. Page 246
b. “pulsing, sting, splatter, screams, explode, oblivion, scramble, boom, shakes,
etc.)
3. Extension Question: Make a prediction. Will the boat sink? How will they survive?
a. Page 248
54
Vocabulary
1. Stern: Serious; unsmiling; severe; strict (page 249)
2. Enacting: Put into practice; act out (page 250)
3. Buoyancy: Ability to float; optimistic and cheerful disposition (page 250)
1. How does Zelie reconnect to Ashe and Oya (magic) even though she is too weak?
a. Page 249 - 250
b. “Bite into my hand” to bleed
c. “Blood magic takes over”
2. How many more animations does Zelie make after realizing Tzain’s ship is sinking?
a. Page 250
b. Ten
3. What does she order these animations to do?

a. Page 250
b. “Save the ship.”
4. What does Zelie believe when she thinks to herself: “Mama was right.”
a. Page 251
b. “The blood magic will destroy me.”
c. She believes she will die from using the blood magic.
5. Cite the best text evidence that illustrates that Zelie does care about Amari.
a. Page 249
b. “If I can’t do it, Tzain and Amari will die.”
c. She uses blood magic to save not just Tzain but Tzain and Amari.
1. In your opinion, would the author agree or disagree with the following statement: “You
always have a choice”? Cite evidence to support your answer.
a. Page 249
b. Answers will vary but the author does repeatedly show that even though all of
the characters and Amari claim “I don’t have a choice” their actions and choices
show that they do in fact always have a choice.
2. Make a prediction. Will Zelie live or die? How? Explain your prediction in detail.
a. Page 251
55
Vocabulary
1. Quaking: Shaking with fear (page 252)
2. Manned: Controlled or steered by a human crew (252)
3. Summon: Authoritatively or urgently call on someone to be present (page 253)
4. Glinting: Reflecting or shining flashes of light (page 254)
1. Cite the most relevant evidence to prove that Amari does not believe in her ability to
fight.
a. Page 252
b. “I can’t do this on my own. We need him to take down the last ship.”
2. Cite the most relevant evidence to prove that Amari is brave and that she does care for
Zelie.
a. Page 254
b. She is not willing to kill to protect herself but she is willing to kill to protect Zelie
3. Who is responsible for winning the fight and how? How is this ironic or unexpected?
a. Page 254
b. Amari kills the final Captain
c. She is the one who doubted herself the most but she ends up being responsible
for winning the fight
1. What story does Amari repeat in her head again and again? What does she believe this
story proves about herself? Compare and contrast your point of view and Amari’s point
of view regarding what this story shows about her.
a. Page253
b. “Strike Amari. Father’s voice…commanded me to fight Inan. I dropped my sword.
I refused. Then my brother’s blade ripped through my black.”
c. She believes this is proof that she cannot fight and is a coward when in reality it
shows her bravery in standing up to her father and choosing to lose and be hurt
instead of going against her principles
2. What theme about “bravery” is enhanced in this chapter? Cite text evidence.
a. Page 253 - 254
c. Possible themes: There are different types of bravery, Bravery cannot exist
without fear, the ultimate form of bravery is standing up for your values, etc.
d. Amari has a different type of bravery than Zelie or the other characters.
56
Chapter 33 (page 255 - 259)
Vocabulary
1. Vacant: Empty (page 255)
2. Remorse: Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed (page 255)
3. Prevailed: Prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious (page 255)
4. Bounty: Sum paid for killing or capturing; Generous amount received (page 256)
5. Dismay: Discomposure or distress caused by the unexpected (page 256)
6. Hoax: Humorous or malicious deception (page 257)
1. How many animations did Zelie summon?

a. Page 255
b. 538 animations
2. Compare and contrast Zelie versus the crowd’s point of view on the arena fight. Cite
specific text evidence.
a. Page 255
b. “trying to drown the tragedy out…the cheers never stop. The praise never ends…
The crowd rejoices as if there’s a reason to celebrate this blood bath.”
c. She views it as a tragedy while the crowd views it as joyful entertainment
3. According to Zelie, why is this “no victory”?

a. Page 255
b. “We’re covered in the blood of those who have fallen”
4. What is the most relevant evidence that illustrates how Zelie’s point of view regarding
Amari has shifted?
a. Page 256
b. “For the first time, looking at her doesn’t remind me of Saran and Inan. I see the
girl who stole the scroll.”
5. How does Zelie use the sunstone?

a. Page 258
b. She uses it for good to free the spirits instead of to kill the evil announcer and
crowd
6. Who does Zelie see after Sky Mother fades?

a. Page 258
b. Oya
57
1. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze how it enhances a
central conflict or theme of the novel: “I see the seeds of a warrior”.
a. Page 256
b. Metaphor
c. Theme and conflict answers will vary.
2. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze how it enhances the
mood or conflict: “like a moth, I’m drawn to its holy light”.
a. Page 256
b. Simile: she is drawn to something seemingly good that is actually dangerous
c. It foreshadows danger
d. It has a negative connotation that enhances a suspenseful mood
3. What does Amari feel for the first time now that she has her full magic? How does this
enhance a central allegory of the novel?
e. Page 259
f. She feels “alive”
g. Magic is symbolic for embracing your full self instead of internalizing prejudice
58
Vocabulary
1. Commemorate: Celebrate, remember and honor someone (page 260)
2. Imposter: A person who pretends to be someone else (page 260)
3. Remnant: A surviving trace (page 260)
4. Averts: Turn away one’s eyes or thoughts; prevent or ward off (page 262)
5. Disheveled: Untidy; disordered (page 263)
6. Incites: Encourage or provoke disorderly conduct (page 264)
1. What nicknames does the crowd give Zelie, Tzain and Amari, respectively?
a. Page 260
b. The Immortal, The Commander, The Lionaire
2. What are two unexpected benefits of winning the arena fight?

a. Page 261
b. The arena is now out of business because they cannot afford to bribe the stocks
for more laborers
c. The laborers can cover their debts to save themselves from the stocks
3. What is Amari’s inner conflict that causes her to feel shame?

a. Page 263
b. She can’t decide to escape and lie or stay and kill
1. Compare Amari’s view of herself vs. the crowd’s view of her. Analyze what theme this
enhances.
a. Page 260
b. Crowd views her as fearless, powerful, predatory Lionaire
c. She views herself as a coward
d. Enhances theme of exteriors being drastically different than interiors
e. Enhances theme of humans reverting to animal instincts and tendencies when
they face fear or threat to life
f. Theme answers will vary.
2. How does Amari’s view of herself change by the end of the chapter? Cite specific
evidence.
a. Page 264
b. “Perhaps a Lionaire lives in me after all.”
c. She no longer wants to be told what to do or what she is meant to do.
d. She wants to fix the pain her father is responsible for.
59
Vocabulary
1. Dwindles: Fade or burn out to nothing (page 265)
2. Dispatch: Sending something off to a destination for a purpose (page 265)
3. Culprit: A person responsible for a crime or misdeed (page 265)
4. Disparages: regard or represent as being of little worth (page 266)
5. Scoff: Expression of scorn in mocking, belittling way (page 266)
1. What message and lie does Inan send to his father?

a. Page 265
b. That some “monster” killed Kaea
c. “Maji attack. Kaea killed. Pursuing the scroll.”
d. In reality, Inan is the one who killed Kaea
1. What word holds power over Inan and makes him feel like he is unfit to be king and that
he is living in a hell he cannot escape? How does this enhance an allegory of the text?
Make a text-to-world connection.
a. Page 266
b. ”Maggot”
c. “Maggot” has same function as the “N” word and other racial slurs and hate
language
2. Compare and contrast Kaea and Inan’s point of view on strength. What theme does this
enhance?
a. Page 266
b. Kaea views hurting his sister as strength
c. Inan believes the opposite, that he hurt his sister out of weakness and cowardice
in the presence of his father
d. Theme answers will vary.
3. What two contradictory metaphors and similes does Inan use to describe his magic?
How does this enhance theme, conflict or characterization?
a. Page 267
b. Uses simile and metaphor to compare his magic to both a “curse” and the “first
drop of water in days.”
c. This enhances his contrasting views of himself, his internal conflict, his
characterization of self-loathing and internalized racism
d. Analysis answers will vary.
60
Vocabulary
1. Malice: The intention or desire to do evil; ill will (page 270)
2. Earnest: Showing sincere and intense conviction (page 272)
3. Decipher: Understand, interpret or identify a code (page 273)
4. Eclipsing: Block out or deprive someone or something else of its full significance (page 274)
5. Illuminated: Bring into light or awareness (page 274)
6. Ruthless: Having or showing no pity or compassion (page 276)
7. Brandished: Wave a sword (page 276)
1. Where was the only place Zelie felt safe?

a. Page 269
b. Mornings with Baba pulling in fishing net far out at Sea where not even the
guards could touch us.
2. How has the mood shifted with the setting in this chapter?
a. Page 272
b. Before: Tense and unhappy in dessert, Ibeji and arena
c. Now: Childlike carefree delight in the water-filled forest of the Gambe River
3. How does Zelie know Inan is nearby before she can hear or see them?
a. Page 273
b. He pulls her into his dreamscape
4. Cite one specific piece of evidence that enhances the animal motif running throughout
the text.
a. Page 275
b. “She [Amari] guides his [Inan’s] sword to the ground as if soothing a wild
animal.”
1. What observation does Zelie make about Inan and Amari? What theme does this
enhance?
a. Page 275
b. She notices how different they look
c. They only share eye and skin color
d. This hints that they have different fathers or mothers
e. It enhances the theme regarding the importance of race and color because no
one notices their stark differences as long as their color is the same
61
2. According to Zelie, what four identities does Inan embody? How do all of the characters
have different sides to them or identities? What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 276
b. “Ruthless captain, little prince, the scared and broken Maji…killer.”
c. They all have fearful and brave side
d. Enhances theme that everyone is multi-faceted. No one is all good or all bad. The
world is not (literally or figuratively) black vs. white. There are many shades of
gray
e. Theme answers will vary.
3. Extension Question: Draw a picture of the imagery used in the first paragraph of the
chapter.
a. Page 269
62
Chapter 37 (page 278-280)
Vocabulary
1. Tussle: Scuffle or struggle (page 279)
2. Bolas: Traps or binding ropes (page 279)
3. Pivot: Turn or change direction quickly (page 279)
4. Assailant: Enemy or opponent (page 280)
1. How does the author build tension and suspense before fighters arrive to capture Tzain?
a. Page 279
b. Amari’s premonitions
2. Make an inference. What does the masked figure put over Amaris face?
a. Page 280
b. Poison soaked rag
1. Analyze the best text evidence that enhances the animal motif in the text?
a. Page 280
b. “trapping him (Tzain) like a jungle cat”
3. In your opinion, who are the masked men if they are not the royal guard or soldiers?
Cite text evidence to support your prediction.
a. Page 280
b. Opinion/Prediction. Answers will vary.
63
Vocabulary
1. Reverberate: Vibrate or echo (page 281)
2. Plumes: Long cloud of smoke (page 281)
3. Ensnares: Catch in a trap (page 282)
4. Gaping: Wide open (page 282)
5. Hilt: Handle of a weapon (page 282)

1. How does Zelie escape the masked figures?
a. Page 282
b. Inan cuts the cord on her net
c. One runs and other falls to ground when Inan strikes him
2. What does Zelie believe Inan is going to do at the end of chapter?

a. Page 283
b. She believes he is going to kill her
1. What memory does Zelie relive when she sees Tzain in the net? How does this reveal
one similarity between Zelie, Inan and Amari? What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 281
b. Day her mother chained and killed by guard
c. All have childhood memory that strongly influenced them
d. Theme answers will vary.
2. Make a prediction. What do you think Inan will do? Why?

a. Page 283
b. He will likely save her or question her or return her to king since he just saved
her
64
Chapter 39 (page 284 - 287)
Vocabulary
1. Angling: Aiming, planning (page 284)
2. Decree: On official order or decision made by legal authority (page 285)
3. Creed: A formal set of beliefs that guide someone’s actions (page 286)
4. Harbinger: A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another (page 286)
1. What happens the moment Inan touches Zelie?

a. Page 284
b. Feels the strongest magic he’s ever felt roaring through him
c. World disappears in burning blue cloud
d. He sees Zelie’s whole world and feels her heartbreak
2. How does Inan’s vision of Zelie’s life change the “truth” he knows about his father?
a. Page 285
b. “I see it all. The world father created. The pain she’s forced to live in”
c. “Tragedy caused in father’s name”
d. Maji aren’t villains as father warned. Saran tore apart families and caused all
suffering
3. Cite one piece of textual evidence that shows the choice Inan makes about himself.
a. Page 286
b. “I can’t be another person bearing the seal of Orisha who causes her pain.”
1. In what way does Inan see Zelie “like seeing her for the first time”? How does this
enhance an allegory of the text?
a. Page 286
b. He sees: “The human behind the Maji”
c. Theme: Ability vs. inability to see the individual behind the race, religion,
ethnicity, etc.
2. Inan says he knows the truth but doesn’t know what he is supposed to do. In your
opinion what will Inan do? Do you think he will do what you believe he is supposed to
do? Why or why not? Cite evidence to support your prediction.
a. Page 287
65
Vocabulary
1. Ambush: A surprise attack from a concealed position (page 288)
2. Blanched: Grow white or pale from shock or fear (page 289)
3. Intentional: Purposeful; on purpose (page 290)
4. Feral: In a wild state; resembling a wild animal (page 290)
1. What does Zelie think they should have done to escape?

a. Page 288
b. Listened to Tzain and run away on Nailah instead of staying to fight Inan
2. Why does Zelie feel guilty?

a. Page 288
b. She didn’t listen to Tzain and believes Tzain is always paying for her mistakes
1. Cite textual evidence to analyze how this chapter enhances the theme that fear drives
hate and violence.
a. Page 290
b. Zelie’s actions mirror that of her enemy
c. Theme: Ruthless violence and blind killing arise from self-preservation.
2. Cite one piece of textual evidence that enhances the animal motif in the text. What
theme does this enhance?
a. Page 290
b. Zelie becomes “feral” as something snaps. She cannot contain her rage and
slashes the defenseless masked boy
66
Vocabulary
1. Engulf: Surround or cover up completely (page 291)
2. Seethes: Filled and overflow with intense but unexpressed anger or people (page 291)
3. Concede: Admit that something is true after denying or resisting it (page 293)
4. Bout: A short period of intense activity or illness (page 293)
1. Why is Inan still afraid of and suppressing his magic?

a. Page 291 – 292
b. Fears loss of control and being overdone by Zelie’s painful memories (inference)
2. What question was Inan too afraid to ask? What is the answer he finally now realizes?
a. Page 292
b. What should he do?
c. Not be like father
d. Not kill magic or Zelie
e. Join Zelie as “our”
1. How does Inan reinterpret his father’s repeated words about his duty to find a new
purpose? Make a text-to-self or text-to-world connection to explain a similar realization
or scenario from history, current events or your own life.
a. Page 292
b. “My duty has always been to my Kingdom, by it must be for a better Orisha. A
new Orisha.”
c. I want to create “a land where a prince and a Maji could coexist”
d. “Where Zelie and I could be a ‘we’.”
e. Text connection answers will vary.
2. What does Inan see Zelie is afraid of? What theme does this enhance?
a. Page 293
b. Fear of being alone
c. Trust theme
67
Vocabulary
1. Futile: Pointless; Incapable of producing any useful result (page 295)
2. Hyperventilating: Breathing at an abnormally rapid rate (page 295)
3. Culprits: A person who is responsible for a crime or misdeed (page 295)
4. Shrouded: Cover or wrapped to conceal from view (page 295)
5. Lilt: Accent (page 296)
6. Vigilantes: A self-appointed citizen who starts enforcing laws or punishing criminals without
any legal authority or permission (page 298)
7. Absolves: Set or declare free from guilt, responsibility or blame (page 298)

1. How does Amaris know she’s still in the forest when she is blindfolded and tied up?
a. Page 295
b. She is tied to a tree
2. Where are the masked fighters from and how does Amari infer this?
a. Page 296
b. Warri
c. Hears their eastern accents of nobles
3. What are names of three masked fighters and who is leader? And who is missing
a. Page 299
b. Kwame, Zu and Folake
c. Zu is leader
d. Jailin is missing
1. What theme about bravery and fear is enhanced by this chapter? Analyze text evidence
to support your answer.
a. Page 296
b. Masked fighters turn out to be diviners who say “For once, she’s [Amari is] the
one in danger. Not us.”
c. Characterize Amari
d. Strong inferencing skills
e. Cunning
2. How does this chapter enhance a central theme about misreading others intentions or
interior identities based on exterior racial stereotypes? Include sufficient evidence and
analysis to support your answer.
a. Page 299
b. Answer will vary.
68
Vocabulary
1. Diverging: Going in a different direction (page 301)
2. Crescents: Curved sickle shape of waning or waxing moon (page 301)
3. Discreet: Careful speech or actions to avoid offending or revealing secret (page 301)
4. Unyielding: Not giving way to pressure; resolute (page 301)
5. Resolve: Decide firmly on a course of action (page 301)

1. What does Inan feel is a constant and growing threat?
a. Page 301
b. The risk of not blocking his magic and feeling Zelie’s pain
2. What talisman or object does Inan seem to hold onto when he needs comfort or is
unsure how to act?
a. Page 305
b. His father’s pawn
3. What is Zelie’s plan?

a. Page 306
b. To learn to make more than 8 animations to attack guards tomorrow night to
save Amari and Tzain
4. What advice does Zelie give Inan? Cite specific evidence.

a. Page 306
b. “Don’t put your life in my hands unless you want that life to end”
1. What figurative language does Inan use to describe his magic breaking free and Zelie’s
essence and how does this enhance the text?
a. Page 301
b. Simile
c. “Like a leaponaire escaping its cage, the magic breaks free.”
d. “Zelie’s essence rushes in like a crashing tidal wave.”
e. Enhances nature or animal motif or theme
f. Answers will vary.
2. Interpret the following quote as a symbol and analyze how this symbolism enhances a
central theme of the text: “It’s been so long since I could remove my helmet without
fear.”
a. Page 303
b. We hide our true selves behind “masks”
69
Vocabulary
1. Gauge: Estimate, measure or determine (page 307)
1. How many masked fighters do Inan and Zelie have to attack?

a. Page 307
b. 50
2. How many animations does Inan take down and how?

a. Page 308
b. 12
c. He stops suppressing his magic
3. What does Zelie contemplate doing to attack the guards before deciding against it?
a. Page 309
b. To use blood magic
4. What does Inan want to do to attack the masked fighters?

a. Page 309
b. summon the guards
5. What happens when Inan pushes magic away?

a. Page 309
b. His vigor dies
c. It’s like the very life is being sucked out of him
6. What does Zelie want Inan to do?

a. Page 310
b. Use his magic offensively to stun or cast mental attack
7. Make an inference. Why does Inan refuse to use magic to save Amari?
a. Page 310
b. He doesn’t ever want to use magic to hurt people again like he did to Kaea
8. Who does Zelie believe is the root of Odisha’s pain?

a. Page 311
b. King Saran
9. Cite the most relevant text evidence to show Inan’s beliefs about his father’s actions.
a. Page 311
70
b. “He did what he thought was right...He wasn’t wrong to take magic away…he
was wrong for the oppression that followed.”
10. What does Inan believe is “not the answer”?

a. Page 311
b. Power
11. What truth has Zelie locked away for years that she suddenly verbalizes?
a. Page 312
b. “I am always afraid.”
12. Inan and Zelie both unsuccessfully try to get the other to “see where [they’re] coming
from.” Summarize each belief.
a. Page 311 – 312
b. Zelie: Taking away magic means power for guards and powerlessness for
diviners. She believes guards are corrupt with power
c. Inan: No one needs power or magic. He believes the guards keep people safe
while magic leads to violence and suffering
1. Compare and contrast Inan and Zelie’s conflicting points of view on his reasons for refusing
to use magic.
a. Page 311
b. Zelie believes he wants to keep his secret even if it means letting Amari die
c. Inan believes magic is dangerous, the root of all problems and the root of
Odisha’s pain
2. What does Zelie believe is “one and the same”? Do you agree? How does this enhance a
central allegory?
a. Page 311
b. “Our lack of power and our oppression are one and the same”
c. Allegory: Expecting and requiring African Americans to conform to white cultural
norms in order to succeed in the business world and institutionalized racism are
one and the same
3. Do you agree with Zelie that Inan cannot understand the prejudice and hate she has
faced all her life? Why or why not? Make a text-to-world or text-to-self connection
about experiences with racism and prejudice.
a. Page 313
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Vocabulary
1. Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule (page 314)
2. Salvation: Deliverance or rescue from harm, ruin or loss (page 314)
3. Feign: Pretend to be affected (page 314)
1. Cite the most relevant piece of text evidence to show what Zelie believes to be their
only salvation.
a. Pair 314
b. “There’s no living under they’re tyranny. Our only salvation is Power.”
2. Cite the most relevant piece of text evidence to show what Inan realizes at the end of
the chapter.
a. Page 315
b. “It doesn’t matter if I’m in her head. I’ll never understand all her pain.”
Response Questions
1. What figurative language does Inan use to describe pain and how does this enhance
theme, conflict or characterization in the text?
a. Page 314
b. “Zelie’s pain falls through the air like rain. It sinks into my skin.”
c. Analysis answers will vary.
2. How does Inan describe Zelie’s terror and what theme does this enhance? Cite a specific
piece of text evidence.
a. Page 314
b. “It crushes my soul. It destroys all will to live. This fear is always there.”
3. How does Zelie describe Inan’s guards or his “people”? How does this enhance a central
allegory of the text? Make text-to-world connection.
a. Page 324
b. “They’re nothing more than killers, rapists and thieves”
c. “The only difference between them and criminals is the uniforms they wear.”
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Vocabulary
1. Cowering: Crouching in fear (page 319)
2. Infiltrate: Enter or gain access to gain secret or forbidden information (page 320)
3. Evident: Plain or obvious; clearly seen or understood (page 320)

1. What does Zu do to Tzain?
a. Page 317
b. Used her magic to heal him
c. She is healer
2. In 1-2 sentences, explain the purpose of the opening scene of the chapter.
a. Page 316
b. It juxtaposes Amari’s past reality with his current reality
3. What does Kwame plan to do to Amari?

a. Page 320
b. Torture her for answers and the “truth”
1. What device does the author use to start the chapter? How does this enhance the text’s
characterization, theme, mood or conflict?
a. Page 316
b. Flashback
c. Amari expects a room filled with treats but instead her father visits a cellar with
a screaming servant boy who Kaea punches
2. Analyze how this chapter enhances a central theme about trust. Cite text evidence to
support your analysis.
a. Page 318 – 320
b. Zu will not believe that Amari is not the enemy because she is Kosidan and a
noble
c. She believes she is sent to infiltrate them through clever lies
3. Analyze how this chapter enhances a central theme about the relationship between fear
and violence. Cite text evidence to support your analysis.
a. Page 320
b. To “protect “themselves” they torture her for the “truth”
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Vocabulary
1. Scalds: Burns (page 321)
2. Insurmountable: Too great to be overcome (page 321)
3. Inextricably: In a way that is impossible to disentangle or separate (page 321)
4. Unwavering: Steady or resolute; not wavering (page 322)
5. Yield: Give in to arguments, demands or pressure (page 323)
6. Salvaged: Rescue, preserve, retrieve or save (page 324)
7. Eradicating: Destroying completely; Putting an end to (page 325)
8. Abide: Accept or act in accordance with (page 325)
1. What is Inan’s senet pawn made of?

a. Page 324
b. Malachite
2. What truth does Inan admit to Zelie as to why his magic is so (emotionally) painful to
him and why does he feel this way? Cite a specific piece of text evidence.
a. Page 323
b. “I hate the way it makes me hate myself.”
c. It forces him to realize that everything he was taught was wrong - that his
prejudice towards and killing of Diviners and Maji were wrong.
3. Cite an example from the chapter that illustrates the animal power motif that recurs
throughout the novel.
a. Page 322
b. “Like a wild leaponaire, my magic claws to the surface”
c. Repeatedly, the author illustrates that if you keep individuals or parts of your
individuality trapped then it will break free with an animal instinct for freedom
4. Cite the one piece of evidence from the chapter that illustrates the moment when Inan
officially distances himself from his father’s prejudice and creed.
a. Page 335
b. “I need to draw a line in the sand”
1. Analyze how the following imagery is symbolic and how this symbolism enhances
conflict, characterization or theme: “The sun begins to set, disappearing behind hills on
the horizon. Turning shadows stretch around me as I lean against a tree to rest.”
a. Page 321
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b. The sun setting behind the horizon symbolizes a new phase of his life or the it
symbolizes that he is losing his previously unquestioned idea of his future reality
c. The shadows symbolize the things he tried to hide about himself that are
growing and taking him more obviously
characterization, conflict or theme: “Her words echo in my mind, no longer a staff
pressed against my sword.”
a. Page 323
b. Metaphor comparing her words to a wooden staff
c. Before Inan felt like the obvious winner in their argument over who was right,
just as someone with a sharp metal sword would feel fighting against someone
with a blunt wood staff
d. Now Inan sees Zelie is right or at least that both sides have merit and one must
yield because her words are no longer like a wooden staff fighting against a
metal sword.
3. How is Inan’s senet pawn symbolic? Cite text evidence to support your analysis.
a. Page 324
b. Inan is acting in ways (squeezing his senet pawn/ suppressing and denying his
magic) that hurt him because he doesn’t realize the truth (that the senet pawn is
made of majacite and will burn him/ that he’s hurting himself physically and
emotionally and killing his true self by suppressing his magic)
c. “The only gift [father has] given me and at its core it’s hate” this is true of both
the senet pawn and his father’s overall teachings
4. Extension Question: While Inan says he admires his unwavering belief that magic must
be destroyed, how, in your opinion, is it a greater virtue to allow your beliefs to waver
and change based on your life experience? How does Inan embody this?
a. Page 322
b. Inan is willing to change his point of view, understand Zelie’s point of view and
let go of his prejudice
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Chapter 48 page 326-329
Vocabulary
 Periphery: The outer limits or edge of an area or object (page 326)
 Taut: Stretched or pulled tight; tense (page 327)
 Brash: Self-assertive in a rude or overbearing way (page 327)
 Luminescent: Having light, shining, glowing properties (page 328)
1. What feelings did Inan’s “misguided hate” bring back to Zelie?

a. Page 325
b. “I despised magic. I blamed mama…I can still feel the shadow of the lie inside,
pushing me to hate my blood, rip off my white hair.”
c. “Self-hatred spun from Saran’s lies.”
d. Self-ingrained prejudice
2. What did Zelie choose despite Saran's lies? What theme does this enhance
a. Page 327
b. “But he (saran) already took mama. I couldn’t let him take the truth too...I held
onto Mamas teachings. No matter what the world said, my magic was beautiful.”
c. Theme of importance of being true to self
3. Paraphrase the literal meaning of the personification: “lethal lie the world forces us to
swallow.”
a. Page 327
b. Personification
c. Paraphrase: Forced to believe a lie about ourselves and embody self-hatred
central theme: The spirits “call to me, rising like a tsunami wave...like tides pulled by the
moon, the souls crash into me.”
a. Page 328
b. Simile
c. Her magic is a natural, uncontrollable force of nature that enhances her
characterization and a central theme that individuals cannot avoid nature or
their own true nature whether they want to or not.
Zelie’s characterization: “I unleash the storm”
a. Page 329
b. Metaphor
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c. Represents major shift: She is now not being controlled by nature but controlling
nature
d. She is embracing and wielding power as her own instead of being overcome by
it. She overcomes it and others with it
3. EXTENSION QUESTION: Make a text-to-self connection. Have you ever felt like Zelie -
believing in yourself until moment came and then you lost all confidence and felt fear
and self-doubt?
a. Page 326
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Vocabulary
1. Pivots: Move or change direction quickly by rotating one foot (page 331)
2. Fervor: Intense and passionate feeling (page 331)
3. Leverage: An advantage used to influence power or achieve an outcome (page 332)
4. Buckling: Collapsing under pressure (page 333)
5. Labored: Pained (page 333)
1. What is the most relevant piece of evidence to characterize Tzain as selfless?

a. Page 331
b. “Beaten. Stabbed. Yet still, he asks about me.”
2. What is the most relevant piece of evidence to show Kwame’s internal conflict?
a. Page 330
b. “His voice is strained, almost heavy with desperation. It’s like this is hurting him
as much as its hurting me.”
c. “His tremor intensifies as he moves the blade up to Tzain’s chest.”
3. Cite one example that enhances the central theme in the text that inner mental and
emotional strength can overcome physical pain.
a. Page 332
b. Amari fights to break free despite the pain
theme or characterization: “Back at the palace, back when my bonds were golden
chains. I should’ve fought them the way I fight now…Binta would be safe.”
a. Page 332
b. Metaphor
c. She stayed motionless and silent in her bubble of wealthy comfort and ignorance
d. She has grown as a character
e. This enhances characterization and a possible theme of needing to overcome
suffering, adversity or hardship in order to grow
f. Analysis answers will vary.
2. How has Amari changed and how is this evidenced by the voices in her head?
a. Page 332
b. Father’s voice to “strike” does not give her strength but Binta’s voice to “Be
Brave” and the crowd’s shouts of “Lionaire” allow her to be strong
c. She is no longer controlled or shamed by her father
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Vocabulary
1. Labyrinth: Maze (page 334)
2. Stanches: Stop or restrict (page 335)
3. Incinerated: Burned (page 335)
4. Indomitable: Unbeatable (page 335)
5. Viable: Capable of working successfully; feasible (page 336)
6. Forge: Make or shape by heating in a fire and hammering it (page 336)
7. Unwavering: Steady or resolute; not wavering (page 336)
1. What mood do the two opening lines of the chapter enhance?

a. Page 334
b. Chaotic, dreamlike, surreal mood
2. Cite the most relevant evidence to show how Inan’s view of magic has changed for the
first time.
a. Page 334
b. “Sight of magic is thrilling. Not a curse, but a gift.”
3. What sight stops Inan in his tracks, reigniting his fear?

a. Page 335
b. A burner with fire in his hands
4. What happens when the burner touches the sunstone?

a. Page 336
b. He erupts in flames
5. What happens at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 337
b. Masked fighters realize Inan, Zelie, Amari and Tzain are in fact on their side so
they stop fighting
1. How is Zelie’s power compared to nature? Cite evidence. What theme does this
enhance?
a. Page 334
b. “animations break through the ground like rising mountains. They swarm like an
infestation, a plague no one can escape.”
c. “like oceans the earthly animations wrap themselves around the assailants.”
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d. Theme: Inevitability of nature taking over; Impossibility of escaping one’s true
nature.
e. Theme answers will vary.
mood, conflict or theme: “Just his presence melts the dirt around him like metal in a
blacksmith’s forge.”
a. Page 336
b. Simile
c. Theme: Power of nature; Importance of being true self
d. Mood / Conflict: Hopeless, despairing
e. Analysis answers will vary.
3. What is significant about when and how Inan chooses to use his power? Compare this to
when Zelie first chose to use her power.
a. Page 336
b. He finally uses his magic not to save himself but to save Zelie just as Zelie first
used her magic to save Amari
80
Vocabulary
1. Convergence: The process of coming together (page 338)
2. Writhes: Making twisting or squirming movements because of discomfort (page 339)
3. Russet: Reddish brown color (page 340)
4. Charter: The reservation of an airplane, boat or bus for private use (page 343)
5. Infectious: Likely to spread quickly (page 344)
6. Ajoyo: Celebration of sky mother and birth of gods (page 344)
7. Procession: A number of people moving together in orderly fashion (page 344)
8. Potential: Having the capacity to become something in the future (page 345)
1. What language does Zelie hear spoken in camp?

a. Page 338
b. Yoruba
2. What evidence is there that the masked warriors have actively kept magic “alive”?
a. Page 340
b. They speak Yoruba
c. They have a shrine to Sky Mother
d. They know all of the incantations and can use magic easily
e. They believe the scroll to be theirs and that Amari took it from them
3. What is Zu’s full name?

a. Page 341
b. Zulaikha
4. What type of Maji is Kwame?

a. Page 341
b. A burner
5. Why does Zu have such strong magical skills at such a young age?
a. Page 342
b. She was the first diviner to touch the scroll
1. Some characters believe that magic is dangerous and gives Maji the ability to
overpower, harm and kill Kosidan. Others believe that magic is a fundamental right and
destroying it gives Kosidan a dangerous ability to overpower, harm and kill Maji. Write a
persuasive essay explaining your opinion and reasoning in detail.
81
Vocabulary
1. In vain: Without success or a result (page 348)
2. Vigilant: Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties (page 350)
3. Treachery: Betrayal of trust; deceptive action or nature (page 350)
1. Cite one piece of evidence that successfully summarizes Amari’s relationship with Inan.
a. Page 348
b. “So close to him, yet always worlds apart.”
2. Cite one piece of evidence that illustrates Amari’s jealousy of her brother’s magic.
a. Page 349
b. “Why him and not me? If the gods ordain who receives their gifts, what made
them chose Inan?”
3. What people does Amari feel most loyal to and how do you know?
a. Page 350
b. She is more loyal to Binta, Zelie, Tzain and Maji then to her own brother
c. She expresses that she must make right her father’s wrongs
d. She threatens to kill her brother if he betrays her to harm the Maji
e. She hasn’t forgiven Inan for cutting her as a child at her father’s orders
1. How does this chapter enhance a central theme about earning trust? Cite specific
evidence from the chapter that enhances this theme.
a. Page 350
b. Amari cannot trust her brother after he stuck to father’s teachings and fought
against himself for so long
c. Inan understands that he can’t be trusted but swears that he will earn her trust
d. Answers will vary. But should address the following questions: How does one
earn trust? How long does it take to earn trust?
2. What is the purpose of the final line of the chapter?

a. Page 351
b. It builds tension, suspense as it makes the reader doubt whether or not to trust
Inan or to expect future troubles to arise
3. EXTENSION QUESTION: Do you trust Inan yet? Why?

a. Page 351
b. Opinion
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Vocabulary
1. Gait: A person’s manner of walking (page 353)
2. Knoll: A small hill or mound (page 354)
3. Magnetism: The ability to attract or charm people (page 354)
4. Reverence: Deep respect for someone or something (page 354)
5. Fervently: Very enthusiastically or passionately (page 355)
6. Endearing: Inspiring love or affection (page 361)
1. In two sentences, compare and contrast the mood inside the tent (with Tzain) and
outside the tent.
a. Page 353
b. Inside: Sullen, oppressive, dark, heavy
c. Outside: Free, joyous, celebratory, bright, light, lively
2. In two sentences, compare and contrast the way people look at Zelie now versus before.
a. Page 354
b. Now: Look on her with reverence and respect
c. Before: Looked down upon her as a “maggot”
3. What does the gray-eyed stranger take from Zelie?

a. Page 357
b. He pickpockets her compacted staff
4. Who dies the pickpocket meet with and what might this foreshadow?
a. Page 357
b. Kwame
c. Opinion: Possibly foreshadows that he will steal scroll, dagger and sunstone
5. Why is Inan still suppressing his magic?

a. Page 358
b. He fears he cannot control it and that it will hurt people
1. How does this chapter enhance a central theme about reality being subjective as
opposed to objective? Cite evidence to support your analysis.
a. Page 353
b. Tzain experiences mistrust and misery in the same circumstances or “reality”
that makes everyone else experience joy and freedom
83
characterization: “She seems to speak a million meters per second...”
a. Page 354
b. Hyperbole
c. Zu is “always discovering something new she had to say before finishing her last
thought.”
d. Characterization: Enthusiastic, eager, optimistic
84
Vocabulary
1. Resonant: Deep, clear and continuing to sound; Evoking enduring emotions (page 362)
2. Brittle: Hard but easily breakable (page 364)
3. Devoid: Entirely lacking (page 364)
4. Naïve: Innocent; Showing a lack of experience, wisdom or judgment (page 364)
1. Where did Zelie live before the Raid?

a. Page 363 – 364
b. Ibadan (mountainous lake village)
2. What was Zelie’s “happiness”?

a. Page 36
b. (the sea of) Ilorin
1. Identify and interpret the two metaphors Inan uses to describe Zelie’s face and smile.
Analyze how these metaphors reveal a shift in Inan’s perspective and how his changing
perspective enhances a central theme in the text.
a. Page 362
b. Metaphor 1: “I once thought she wore the face of a monster.”
c. Metaphor 2: “She smiles. A beautiful smile. With it I glimpsed the sun.”
d. Inan can now see and appreciate the individual behind the label or stereotype,
whereas before his perspective was morphed by prejudice so that he could only
see the monster of the stereotyped, racist label he had given to “her group” of
people
2. Why does Zelie say Inan’s “naive” words will prove Tzain right that “when this is over,
one of us will be dead”?
a. Page 364
85
Vocabulary
1. Baited: Deliberately annoy or taunt to provoke a response (page 365)
2. Feral: Acting like a wild animal (page 365)
3. Cascading: Flowing down like a waterfall (page 367)
4. Ensnared: Catch in a trap (page 367)
5. Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation (page 369)
1. Identify the type of figurative language Zelie uses to describe the hurtful things Tzain
says to her.
a. Page 369 – 370
b. “His words cut deep sharper than any attack I’ve faced before”
c. Hyperbole
2. What do Tzain’s hurtful words cause Zelie to do?

a. Page 369 – 370
b. “Magic rushes out of me, hot and violent, raging without the direction of an
incantation. Like a spear a shadow twists from my arm, striking with the fury of
the dead”
c. His hurtful words make Zelie lose control of her anger and magic so that she hits
Tzain’s shoulder and makes him to bleed
Response Questions
1. What is the purpose of Zelie’s italicized words “this is temporary...this isn’t even real”?
Support your answer with sufficient evidence and analysis.
a. Page 365
b. The italics show her doubt and the fact that she doesn’t fully believe or buy into
her own words
c. She obviously has feelings for Inan but fears getting her hopes up because she
thinks he’ll go back to his old life, forget her, or betray her as Tzain warns
d. They enhance a self-doubting, mistrusting characterization, an inner conflict and
a suspenseful mood
2. What is Zelie’s internal struggle when listening to Inan? Support your answer with sufficient
evidence and analysis.
a. Page 366 – 367
b. She has feelings for him and wants to trust that he is being honest and wants to
make a better Orisha but she is afraid to trust him and get betrayed
86
Vocabulary
1. Carmine: Vivid crimson (deep red, almost purple) color (page 371)
2. Pries: Inquire or ask too closely into a person’s private life (page 372)
3. Inferno: A large fire that is dangerously out of control (page 372)
4. Cower: Crouch in fear (page 372)
5. Conjure: Call upon to appear; a magic ritual (page 376)
6. Savory: Appetizing salty taste or smell (page 377)
7. Rapture: A feeling of intense pleasure, enthusiasm or joy (page 377)
1. Why does Zelie feel shame?

a. Page 372
b. She can’t control her magic or anyone else’s (Kwame’s)
2. What role reversal have Zelie and Amari experienced?

a. Page 372
b. Amari used to flinch at the sight of magic but now she is fighting for it while Zelie
“cowers”
3. What does Amari say she knows about her brother? What does she mean?
a. Page 373
b. “Either he’s about to betray us or something else is going on”
c. She, like Tzain, does not trust Inan unless Inan being in love or lust with Zelie has
actually changed him
4. Why does Amari insist on taking Zelie outside into the celebration and what does Amari
mean when she says “you are a part of this, Zelie. Do not let anyone take this magic
away”?
a. Page 378
b. She wants Zelie to see the goodness of the diviners’ hearts and to trust them
with magic instead of fearing their power and withholding it from them as Saran
did
1. In your opinion, has Inan changed or are Zelie and Amari fools for believing that Inan has
a good heart? Support your opinion with relevant evidence from the text.
a. Page 374
87
2. What does Zelie believe they need before the diviners can get their magic back? Why?
How does this enhance a central theme or allegory of the text?
a. Page 376
b. Rules, leaders, plans
c. “All the pain that could lie in their wake: grounders ripping the earth under our
feet; reapers losing control and unleashing waves of death.”
d. “What if someone loses control? What if the wrong person touches the
sunstone? We could awaken a cancer and all die of a plague!”
e. “Innocent people could get hurt”
f. Enhances theme and allegory that people do need proper rules, leaders and
plans for freedom and equality to be successful - slaves remained essentially
enslaved as share croppers after “freedom” and school and communities stayed
segregated after “desegregation”
88
Vocabulary
1. Exuberance: The quality of being full of energy, excitement and cheerfulness (page 380)
2. Incites: Encourage or stir up client or unlawful behavior (page 381)
1. Cite the best piece of text evidence to prove that Inan’s feelings for Zelie are genuine.
a. Page 380
b. “My brother stares at Zelie like she’s the single red rose in a garden of white.”
1. How does the author’s choice to not include Inan’s point of view as frequently as the
other narrators enhance the text?
a. Audience doesn’t know if Inan can be trusted
b. Enhances suspenseful doubtful mood
Characterization: “Tzain’s broad shoulders part the crowd like a herder moving through
a flick of sheep.”
a. Page 380
b. Simile
c. Characterization as strong leader
89
Vocabulary
1. Stifle: Restrain, prevent or constrain (page 384)
2. Melodic: Pleasant sounding; melodious (page 384)
3. Visceral: Relating to deep inward feelings; physical instinctive gut reaction (page 385)
4. Discern: Perceive or recognize (page 385)
5. Decipher: Understand, interpret or identify (page 386)
6. Venomous: Full of malice or spite (page 386)
1. What similar experience did Inan and Zelie have that makes them feel shame and fear?
a. Page 386
b. They both hurt someone they loved when they lost control of their magic
c. They both fear that the wrong Maji will intentionally use magic for evil
2. Rewrite and identify the type of figurative language Inan uses to describe Zelie’s smile.
a. Page 383
b. “Her smile lights the world like a full moon on a starless night”
c. Simile
d. Optional extended analysis: Her smile represents hope and joy in the otherwise
hopeless and joyless life of Inan
1. In your opinion, does this chapter make your trust Inan or doubt Inan? Cite text
evidence to support how the author makes you wither trust Inan or doubt him.
a. Page 383
2. Interpret the metaphor Inan uses to describe Zelie and analyze how it enhances a
central theme.
a. Page 383
b. “An ocean tide pulling me in.”
c. Enhances theme of unavoidable and overpowering natural forces that take
individuals over regardless of their consent or control
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Vocabulary
1. Congregate: Gather into a crowd or mass (page 389)
2. Eradicate: Destroy completely; put an end to (page 390)
3. Strife: Angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues (page 391)
1. What does Inan invite Zelie to do? Cite one piece of specific text evidence.
a. Page 388
b. “If freedom is what you want, come back to Lagos with me.”
2. What does Inan say will happen when Zelie brings magic back? Cite specific text
evidence.
a. Page 389
b. “The nobility will fight tooth and nail to stop you. The Raid will happen again and
again. The war won’t end until an entire generation of Orishan’s is dead.”
3. What is Zelie’s fear that won’t go away? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 389
b. “Zu has built a paradise, but when magic returns, the dream will end. Magic
doesn’t give us peace. It only gives us a fighting chance.”
4. Summarize what Inan believes and hopes about his father.

a. Page 389
b. He believes his father’s fear is justified but misguided and that he can be taught
to see the truth that he has nothing to fear.
5. What does Inan hope to accomplish with Zelie and Amari? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 390
b. “Unite as one kingdom for the very first time. Amari and I will lead the transition.
We can do it if you’re there by our side.”
c. He believes father will eventually come to understand what is best
6. How does Inan plan to prevent innocent people from getting hurt?
a. Page 390
b. Training new Maji in designated colonies before being allowed to reenter Orisha
7. Where is the only place Zelie feels safe and at peace?

a. Page 391
b. In dreamscape
c. In Inan’s arms
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8. What does Inan say he thinks is “meant to be” that finally convinces Zelie to agree with
him?
a. Page 391
b. “We’re meant to work together…We’re meant to be together.”
1. What extinguishes Zelie’s hope and desire to believe in Inan’s plan? How does this
enhance a central allegory of the text?
a. Page 390
b. “Magic would still be too dangerous. Innocent people could get hurt.”
c. The thought of losing control and hurting her brother extinguishes her hope and
desire to believe in Inan’s plan.
d. Allegory: Freedom for slaves or equality for African Americans does not work
successfully with no plan or leaders
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Vocabulary
1. Kindled: Light or set on fire (page 393)
2. Banished: Sent away from country or place as official punishment (page 393)
3. Disconcerting: Causing one to feel unsettled (page 395)
4. Cleaving: Split or sever forcefully (page 395)
1. What does Zelie think Tzain is doing and what is Tzain actually doing after he “snaps”?
a. Page 394
b. She thinks he’s grabbing the ax to kill Inan
c. He is really grabbing the ax and other belongings to leave camp
2. How do the switching points of view of the narrative emphasize Tzain’s hypocrisy?
a. Page 393 – 394
b. The reader sees the parallel love stories of Inan and Zelie and Tzain and Amari in
each chapter (seen through the points of view of different narrators) but Tzain
refuses to see that they are the same and he resents Zelie and Tzain’s
relationship
3. Cite the best evidence to summarize why Tzain leaves camp. Briefly share your opinion
as to whether you agree his feelings are justified or whether you think he is acting
selfishly and abandoning everyone.
a. Page 395
b. “I’m tired of fighting for my life, I’m tired of paying for everyone’s mistakes. I’m
sick of doing everything I can to keep her safe when all she does is throwing it
away.”
4. Cite the best evidence to illustrate why Tzain gives up on Zelie now when he never gave
up on her before.
a. Page 396
b. “because [Inan] destroyed our home!”
c. He cannot understand how Zelie has forgiven Inan after he burned and killed
innocent people
5. Cite evidence to illustrate why Tzain and Amari both freeze after she believes he is really
leaving for good.
a. Page 396
b. “A horn sounds, cutting through the night...fathers (king Saran’s” men are here.”
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1. Interpret the following example of figurative language and analyze how this enhances a
central theme about anger (or the author’s opinion of anger): “Then all of a sudden he
snaps, breaking in half like a twig between clenched fists.”
a. Page 394
b. Simile shows that individuals are not always in control of emotions, but that
emotions can actually take control of individuals. Anger (clenched fist) makes
individuals weak and powerless (like a snapping twig) as opposed to making
them strong.
2. Tzain says: “I keep expecting her to grow up, but why should she when I’m always here?
Why change when I stand by just waiting to clean up her mess?” Paraphrase his
meaning and explain whether you agree or disagree. Include a text-to-world or text-to-
self connection to support your answer.
a. Page 395
b. Paraphrase: When people are coddled they can’t learn and become wiser and
more mature. People must make their own mistakes and suffer the
consequences in order to learn.
c. Text connection answers will vary.
94
Vocabulary
1. Conjure: Call upon to appear; magical ritual (page 401)
2. Vortex: mass of whirling fluid or air (page 401)
1. What warning does the commander give to the crowd? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 398
b. “Give up the scroll and the girl and no one here will get hurt.”
2. When and why does Zelie say: “horror settles in my bones”?

a. Page 401
b. Kwame unleashes blood magic by slashing his palms open
c. When the fire explodes from his skin, Zelie knows Kwame’s blood magic will kill
him
3. Cite the personification Zelie uses to describe Kwame’s blood magic.

a. Page 401
b. “The blood magic eats him alive”
4. What is the pact the world won’t allow Inan and Zelie to keep?
a. Page 402
b. Pact: Peace in a new United Orisha
c. It is seemingly impossible to fight for racial, social or sexual equality in an age of
prejudice and brutality
5. Identify and interpret the following example of figurative language and briefly explain
how it enhances the mood or conflict: “fear and confusion spreading throughout the
masses like a virus”
a. Page 399
b. Simile
c. Enhance chaotic mood and conflict by creating a sense of lack of control and
hysteria
6. What does Zelie believe is the only way they will ever have peace? Cite text evidence.
a. Page 402
b. Fathers words in her head: “as long as we don’t have magic, they will never treat
us with respect. They need to know we can hit them back. If we burn their
homes, we burn theirs too.”
c. Optional allegory discussion: This is not reminiscent of MLK’s peaceful protest,
but is rather aligned with Malcolm X’s message of equality at any cost (including
necessary violence)
95
7. Briefly interpret the literal meaning of the simile: “Kwame erupts like a dying star.”
a. Page 403
b. He is compared to shining star to enhance characterization as a positive force in
the world
8. What does Zelie believe is their only hope?

a. Page 403
b. “Our only hope is to fight. Fight and win.”
c. “And to win, we need our magic.”
1. What does Zu say and what happens to her? How does this enhance the text as an
allegory?
a. Page 399
b. Zu walks right up to the guards to say they are peacefully celebrating and they
will peacefully be searched but “please lower your weapons…I don’t want
anyone to get hurt”
c. Zu is shot with an arrow through the gut despite her peaceful demeanor
d. Allegory (answers will vary): Reminiscent of police brutality protests and revolts
against brutality of slavery
2. Interpret the literal meaning of the following quote and analyze how it enhances a
central allegory of the text: “The young girl with a smile too wide for her face pulls
against the weapon, speared with Orisha’s hate.”
a. Page 399
b. She is not killed by an inanimate object (the spear); She is killed by prejudice and
hatred
c. Juxtaposes girl who embodies overwhelming contagious happiness and joy with
Orisha who embodies overwhelming all-encompassing overpowering contagious
hate
d. Allegory for hate crimes, gun violence and police brutality
3. Extension question: What will happen next? Make a prediction.

a. Page 403
b. Students make prediction based on fact that Zelie is captured at the end of the
chapter
4. Bonus activity: Draw a picture of the scene when the royal guard charges through the
festival.
a. Page 398
b. Responses will vary.
96
Vocabulary
1. Charred: Partially burned or blackened (page 404)
2. Futile: Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless (Page 404)
3. Potential: Possible (page 404)
4. Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule (page 406)
5. Silhouette: the dark shape and outline of someone or something (page 406)
1. What does Amari not want to believe but fears to be true?

a. Page 405
b. Her brother, Inan, lied and betrayed them to allow Saran’s guards to find them.
2. What does Tzain believe makes Zelie “as good as dead”?

a. Page 405
b. “They’ll torture her.”
3. What will Amari not allow her father to do again?

a. Page 406
b. “Win”
c. Leave families “broken beyond repair, mourning their dead”
d. “Bring father’s tyranny to an end.”
1. Compare and contrast Tzain from the previous chapter to this chapter.
a. Page 404
b. He had given up on Zelie and everyone
c. Now he feels crushed and guilty that he didn’t protect her
d. He feels hopeless and is relying on Amari for support for the first time
e. He went from angry and cold to sad and vulnerable
97
Vocabulary
1. Scald: Burn with hot liquid or steam (page 407)
2. Platoons: Subdivision or group of a company of soldiers (page 411)
3. Abomination: A thing that causes disgust or hatred (page 412)
4. Orchestrated: Planned (page 413)
5. Tome: A large, heavy scholarly book (page 413)
6. Taut: Stretched or pulled tight (page 416)
7. Sinister: Giving the impression that something harmful or evil will happen (page 416)
1. Where is Zelie?
a. Page 407
b. Locked in an iron box as Saran’s captive
2. What does Zelie mean when she thinks to herself: “You’ve done this before”?
a. Page 407
b. Been beaten (by Mama Agba)
c. She is trying to mentally prepare for impending torture
3. Why does Zelie hope Baba is dead?

a. Page 409
b. “I hope he never experiences that pain” – She does not want him to suffer
emotionally when he finds out she was betrayed and tortured.
4. What does Inan ask Zelie to tell him how to do?

a. Page 410
b. Destroy the scroll
5. What simile does Zelie use to describe Saran as he enters the room?
a. Page 413
b. “He enters like a storm. The air darkening in his presence.”
1. What two metaphors does Zelie use to describe and contrast Saran and the guards who
broke the doors down in Ibadan? How does this enhance a central allegory or theme of
the text?
a. Page 414
b. King: “an entire kingdom. An entire nation of hate and oppression…the head.”
c. Guards: “simply his [Saran’s] tools.”
98
d. Theme/Allegory: Power of racist leaders and prejudice laws to maintain
institutionalized racism
e. Analysis answers will vary.
2. Compare and contrast Inan before and after the guards leave and explain how the
author’s choice of narration impacts your point of view of Inan.
a. Page 409 – 411
b. He starts out appearing from Zelie’s point of view as having betrayed her and
having reverted back to a cold and distant guard
c. When guards leave, he reverts again to the concerned boy she has come to
know.
d. Author has shared Inan’s point of view in previous chapters with no hint of
betrayal, but starts this chapter from Zelie’s point of view to insert surprise and
doubt
e. Answers will vary.
3. Compare and contrast Inan and Zelie’s point of view regarding Kwame and magic.
a. Page 412
b. Inan: Kwame confirmed Saran’s worst fears when he used fire. He wants to
prevent diviners and Maji from ever having magic or power in order to protect
everyone.
c. Zelie: “Kwame sacrificed himself to protect us.” She wants to give magic and
power back to diviners and Maji to ensure equal rights.
99
Vocabulary
1. Etched: Engraved, cut or carved (page 420)
2. Feral: Acting like a wild animal (page 421)
1. Cite the best piece of evidence to prove that Inan respects Zelie’s courage.
a. Page 417
b. “But while I can barely breathe, Zelie rises. Defiant and fiery as ever. No regard
for her life. No fear for her death.”
2. What word do they burn into Zelie’s back?

a. Page 419
b. Maggot
3. How does Inan try to help Zelie and is he successful?

a. Page 421 – 422
b. He tries to persuade his father that he should do the interrogation but his father
is too enraged by Zelie
c. He tries to prevent torture but is thrown out by his father
d. He tries to bring Zelie to his peaceful dreamscape to relieve her pain but she is
already broken and can still feel the pain
1. Interpret the figurative language Inan uses to describe his father’s creed and analyze
how this enhances characterization, point of view or plot development.
a. Page 422
b. “The creed (of duty before self to save Orisha) rings hollow, carving a hole inside
me like the knife that carved through Zelie’s back. Duty isn’t enough when it
means killing the girl I love.”
c. Personification
2. Write a comparative essay to compare and contrast Zelie before and after she is
tortured. In your response, cite the best piece of evidence to compare and contrast Zelie
from when Saran first enters her cell to when she arrives in Inan’s dreamscape.
a. Page 421
b. “There’s no sign of the warrior I know. The fighter who spit on father’s face. I
don’t see Zelie at all. Only the she’ll father left behind.”
100
Vocabulary
1. Foundry: A workshop or factory for casting metal (page 423)
2. Tiers: A row or level of a structure (page 423)
3. Quadrants: One of four parts or quarters (page 423)
4. Partitioning: Divide into parts (page 423)
5. Forging: Make or shape by heating (page 423)
6. Ferrous: Containing or consisting of iron (page 423)
7. Shoddy: Badly made or done (page 424)
8. Vouch: Assert or confirm that something is true based on your own experience (page 425)
9. Marring: Impair the appearance of; disfigure (page 426)
10. Animosity: Strong hostility (page 426)
11. Dispatch (verb): Send off to a destination or for a purpose (page 426)
12. Precarious: Not securely held in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse (page 426)
13. Relent: Abandon or mitigate a harsh intention or cruel treatment (page 426)
1. Who are Inan and Zelie looking for?

a. Page 424
b. Kenyon and his team
2. What kind of bar do they go to and why does this bar require a password?
a. Page 426
b. Toju = Created in most cities as the only place diviners can go together in peace
c. Almost all guests are diviners so the password protects them from anyone who
might mean them harm
3. Cite the best piece of evidence to explain why Kenyon and the other agbon players at
the bar react the way they do to Zelie telling them they can get their magic back with
the scroll.
a. Page 428 – 429
b. “They’re not angry. They’re afraid.”
4. What is the plan that Zelie hopes “will work”?

a. Page 429 – 430
b. Giving all the diviners at the bar their magic back with the sunstone to break
Zelie out of her cell
1. Explain the purpose of the first line of the chapter and analyze how it enhances the text.
a. Page 423
101
b. “This will work” in italics shows Amari’s thoughts, determination and hope
c. It builds tension and an expectant mood to make reader wonder: “What will
work?”
2. How is the mood and setting of the chapter enhanced by the use of connotative
language?
a. Page 423 – 426
b. Word choice (connotative language) is dark, metallic and dreary
c. Enhances dreary, hopeless mood and setting
102
Vocabulary
1. Commandeered: Officially take possession or control of (page 431)
2. Crescendos: A gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music (page 432)
3. Fortified: Strengthen with defensive works so as to protect it against attack (page 432)
4. Disposition: A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character (433)
5. Ambassador: An accredited diplomat or representative (page 435)
6. Quell: Put an end to rebellion by use of force (page 435)
1. How does the following simile enhance the text: “…the X marking the diviner valley. The
red ink runs thick. Dripping like blood”?
a. Page 433
b. It foreshadows that blood that will be spilled when they attack the diviner camp
2. What is the “residue” or remnant of Inan’s magic?

a. Page 433 – 434
b. A turquoise crystal
3. What does the remnant of Inan’s magic release when crushed into dust?
a. Page 434
b. The scent of Kaea’s soul
c. The smell of iron and wine
4. What does Saran tell Inan to do when he finds Zelie?

a. Page 434
b. Destroy her
5. What do Inan and Kaea fear more than death?

a. Page 434
b. Disappointing Saran
6. How does Inan suggest they quell any future diviner rebellions and why does Saran
dismiss his idea?
a. Page 435
b. Use Zelie as an Ambassador and improve the diviner situation
c. Saran says his own father tried peace and the diviners killed him and everyone
he loved
103
1. How does this chapter enhance the following theme: Prejudice and discrimination
require dehumanization? Cite specific evidence to support your analysis.
a. Page 432 - 433
b. “They don’t mean a thing to him. Because they’re Maji, they’re nothing.”
c. Saran refers to Zelie as “Maggot” and “it”
d. Saran can kill and torture Maji without a second thought because he does not
see their humanity
2. What is the purpose of the italicized text after Saran hugs Inan for the first time since he
cut Zelie. How does this chapter enhance characterization?
a. Page 435
b. Italicized text is Saran’s words that Inan remembers from after he cut Zelie
c. It enhances characterization of Saran as valuing power and physical strength
over empathy and peace
d. It enhances characterization of Inan as a dynamic, maturing character who once
did everything for his father’s approval but now it means nothing.
104
Vocabulary
1. Blanched: Make white or pale from shock or fear (page 437)
2. Fortifies: Strengthen with defensive works so as to protect (page 437)
1. In your opinion, what does Zelie mean when she says: “I can’t feel it”? Briefly explain
your reasoning.
a. Page 438
b. Answers will vary but may include: Magic, sea, power
2. Briefly describe how Zelie has changed and how she has stayed the same in this chapter.
a. Page 438
b. Same: Still brave and selfless not fearing death
c. Changed: Pain of torture has taken her away from her true self. Now “there’s no
ocean, no spirit. No scent of the sea. I can’t see beyond the anguish. She lives in
the prison of her pain.”
3. What is Inan’s plan?

a. Page 438
b. Inan escapes with Zelie to a healer to save her
4. How does the chapter end?

a. Page 438
b. Inan is carrying Zelie to escape to a healer when a shout rings and then they feel
heat and then they “crash to the ground as a blast from above shatters through
the fortress walls”
1. What theme is enhanced by the following metaphor: “and father thinks the Maji are the
animals”? Support your answer with relevant and sufficient evidence and analysis.
a. Page 437
b. Answers will vary but may include: humans resort to animal instincts; humans
dehumanize each other; humans see the worst in each other; humans focus on
differences instead of similarities; society uses prejudiced labels to dehumanize
and discriminate
2. What theme or allegory is enhanced by the following statement: “this isn’t about magic.
For once it has to be about her”? Support your answer with relevant and sufficient
evidence and analysis.
a. Page 437
105
c. Allegory: Magic represents race and racism
d. Theme: Ending prejudice means seeing the individual instead of the label or
stereotype
106
Vocabulary
1. Commences: Begin; Start (page 440)
2. Adorn: Make more beautiful or attractive (page 440)
3. Malignant: Spiteful, vengeful, hurtful (page 442)
4. Retribution: Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong (page 443)
1. List the Maji powers of Kenyon and his team and which team members can fight.
a. Page 439 – 440
b. Khani is a healer (can’t fight)
c. Ife is a tamer (can’t fight)
d. Kenyon is a burner (can fight)
e. Femi is a welder (can fight)
f. Imani is a cancer (can fight)
2. How do Kenyon’s team and Amari break into the fortress unnoticed?
a. Page 440
b. Femi breaks through the wall and then reseals it before the guards see the hole
3. What weapons did the Maji create?

a. Page 442
b. 50 firebombs
c. Slingshots
4. How many days are left until they have to perform the ritual?
a. Page 442
b. 2
5. How does the author reveal Amari’s hesitation about facing her father as an enemy?
a. Page 443
b. Her thoughts, dashed line and italics
c. “Not one soldier will stand in our way. We can defeat the army. We can even
face — Father?”
6. What does Amari want to do at the end of chapter and why doesn’t she do it?
a. Page 443
b. She wants to kill her father
c. Tzain arrives, distracting her as her father slips away, so she focuses on fighting
for Zelie (instead of fighting to kill father)
107
1. How is the first sentence of the chapter symbolic? Support your answer with relevant
and sufficient evidence and analysis.
a. Page 439
b. “The fortress towers over Gombe’s horizon like an iron palace, casting its
shadow through the night.”
c. Fortress represents tyrant and fear of prejudiced regime
d. The shadow represents how this institutionalized prejudice impacts everything at
all times even in places it shouldn’t be able to reach (like at night when shadows
shouldn’t appear) and it destroys all hope (horizon)
2. How is the “manicured wild grass” outside of the fortress symbolic. Support your
answer with relevant and sufficient evidence and analysis.
a. Page 439
b. It contrasts the dark ominous tower and how the regime presents a deceptively
clean and civilized persona or façade around its true nature or dark evil core
c. It also shows how the tyrannical regime attempts to control and manipulate the
true nature of the wild grass just as they attempt to control and manage the
natural power of the magi
108
Vocabulary
1. Reign: Rule as king or queen (page 444)
2. Ravishing: Delightful; entrancing (page 444)
1. How does Inan characterize the fight between the guards and the three Maji and what
does this make him believe?
a. Page 444 – 445
b. A slaughter, chaos, horrors
c. He believes his father was right that if magic returns, this is how the kingdom will
burn
2. What is Inan’s priority?

a. Page 445
b. Saving Zelie’s life over saving the kingdom by stopping magic
3. Why does Inan realize he doesn’t have to help Zelie escape from the fortress?
a. Page 445 – 446
b. Tzain and Amari are coming to the fortress to rescue her in her cell
4. Cite the most relevant piece of evidence to illustrate how Amari has changed.
a. Page 446
b. “The Amari I know hides from her sword. This woman looks ready to kill.”
1. Interpret following example of figurative language and analyze how it enhances a

central theme of the text: “the hope on Amari’s voice cuts me.”
a. Page 446
b. Hyperbole
2. Predict what Inan will do by citing specific text evidence to answer each of the following
questions: Why does Inan stay behind? How do his thoughts and words contradict each
other? How do his desires contradict each other? Does he plan to do what he says he
will do?
a. Page 446 – 447
b. Thoughts: “This isn’t my fight. I can’t be on their side.”
c. Words: “Father doesn’t know what I’ve done. If I stay behind, I can try to protect
you from the inside.”
109
d. Thoughts: “Amari nods…accepting my lie...I collapse…crushing the desire to
follow. Their battle is won. Their duty fulfilled. My fight to save Orisha has only
begun.”
110
Vocabulary
1. Fruition: The point at which a plan or project is realized (page 448)
1. What does Zelie believe she’s lost?

a. Page 448
b. Her magic
2. How does Zelie survive her wounds?

a. Page 449
b. Khani touches the sunstone and heals her
3. What does Zelie want to hide from Inan?

a. Page 449
b. “I don’t want him to know how his father’s broken me.”
4. What does Zelie see in Inan’s eyes that makes her feel fury?
a. Page 450
b. Pity
5. According to Zelie, what will happen when the dream ends? Cite specific evidence.
a. Page 452
b. “It’s over. Reality will hit, sharp and cruel and unforgiving. I’ll never be able to
look at Inan’s face without seeing Saran’s again.”
c. She sees a “goodbye” in Inan’s eyes
1. What figurative language does Zelie use to describe escaping the fortress? Rewrite and
identify the type of figurative language. Analyze how it enhances the text.
a. Page 448
b. “A painting of madness and pain”
c. Metaphor
2. What figurative language does Zelie use to describe the feeling of being healed? Rewrite
and identify the type of figurative language. Analyze how it enhances the text.
a. Page 449
b. “Heating me like the tidal pools surrounding Ilorin”
c. Simile
111
Vocabulary
1. Pries: Questions nosily (page 456)
2. Solstice: Times in year when sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky (page 456)
3. Tethered: Tie with a rope (page 458)
1. Why does Zelie swallow her fear and hold back tears for Tzain?
a. Page 454 – 455
b. So he can believe she is okay
c. She doesn’t want him to feel guilt, pity or fear that he did when mama died
2. How many days are left until they must reach the sacred island to restore magic?
a. Page 456
b. One day
3. What happens whenever Zelie tries to summon magic?

a. Page 456
b. She feels nothing and has a flashback to being tortured
4. What does Zelie compare losing her magic to?

a. Page 456
b. Losing mama all over again
5. How does Kenyon propose they make it to Zaria in time?

a. Page 457
b. It only takes a 1/2 day to cut through Jimeta instead of the 3 days they expected.
6. Briefly compare and contrast how Zelie felt in the presence of the sunstone before
versus now.
a. Page 455
b. Before: Felt like a goddess
c. Now: Barely feels alive
1. Interpret the figurative language Zelie uses to describe her voice and analyze how this
enhances the text.
a. Page 454
b. “A well run dry”
c. Should be the leader and source of life and power for the Maji but instead she
has nothing to offer
112
d. Enhances conflict or characterization
2. Cite the most relevant piece of text evidence to illustrate why Kenyon is angry at Zelie
and Tzain.
a. Page 457
b. “You said she was going to bring magic back. Now you’re trying to cut and run…
People died for this…for her (Zelie). Now you want to run away because you’re
afraid of the risk?”
3. Extension question: Predict whether or not Zelie will be able to bring magic back even
though she is not “a Maji tethered to sky mothers spirit”.
a. Page 458 – 459
113
Vocabulary
1. Mercenaries: Professional, paid soldier (page 460)
2. Paled: Seem less impressive or important (page 460)
3. Gamut: The complete range or scope of something (page 461)
4. Clad: Provide or encase with clothing (page 464)
5. Leer: Look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious or lascivious look (page 463)
6. Reminiscent: Tending to remind one of something (page 463)
7. Fray: A situation of intense activity (page 465)
8. Solemn: Formal and dignified (page 466)
9. Divine intervention: A god or heavenly figure causing or preventing something from
happening (page 466)
1. Characterize Roen.
a. Page 463
b. Sandstone complexion
c. Striking storm gray eyes
d. Pickpocket from the diviner settlement who stole Zelie’s staff and said they’d
meet again
e. He has the fastest ship to get to Zaria
2. How often does Zaria appear?

a. Page 464
b. Every 100 years
3. What does Zelie promise Roen’s men in payment for their help? Cite specific evidence.
a. Page 466
b. “You’ll be employed by the future queen of Orisha (Amari)”
1. Characterize Jimeta and analyze how this setting enhances the text.
a. Page 460 – 461
b. Sand cliffs and rocky bluffs over Lokija sea
c. Sharp and jagged (people and terrain)
d. Inhabitants are mercenaries, criminals, thieves, hired assassin
e. Answers will vary but ominous setting enhances suspenseful mood and rising
tension of conflict
2. In your opinion, why doesn’t Zelie tell anyone she lost her magic? Write a persuasive
essay to fully support your opinion with text evidence and/or a text-to-self connection.
114
a. Page 462
c. She hopes it will change
115
Vocabulary
1. Turbines: A wheel-like machine to produce power (page 467)
2. Phosphorescent: Emitting a radiation-like light (page 466)
3. Obscure: Not discovered or known about; uncertain (page 471)
4. Brash: Self-assertive in a rude or overbearing way (page 471)
5. Cordial: Warm and friendly (page 471)
1. Characterize Amari based on her interaction with Zelie.

a. Page 468
b. “She doesn’t pry…Kind. Forgiving. Like she already knows the truth.”
2. Who follows Roen’s boat to Zaria?

a. Page 468
b. Orishan warships and Saran’s battleships
3. What is Roen’s plan?

a. Page 469
b. Take control of the closest ship to sail it the rest of the way to the island
c. He uses a crossbow to shoot a rope to hook the boat, takes the ship’s crew alive,
and boards the ship within 5 minutes
4. What does Roen ask Zelie permission to do and what does Zelie order him to do?
a. Page 470
b. He wants to know if she will allow him to kill or if he should keep the men in the
boat alive
c. She orders him not to kill anyone
5. How long does it take Roen and his men to take over the ship?
a. Page 472
b. 6 - 7 minutes
1. Compare and contrast how Zelie has changed from the beginning of the novel until now.
a. Page 467
b. Her biggest worry was a graduation match and now it is her ability to save
Orisha, magic and the Maji
2. Compare and contrast Zelie and Roen. Cite specific text evidence from this chapter to
show their similarities and differences.
116
a. Page 470
b. Roen asks Zelie permission to kill the ship’s crew or asks if he should keep the
men in the boat alive
c. Zelie orders him not to kill anyone
d. They share a common goal but Roen is willing to kill innocent people to
accomplish it while Zelie is not (in this case, but she has killed in the past)
117
Vocabulary
1. Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering (page 474)
2. Naïveté: Lack of experience; wisdom; judgment (page 474)
3. Referendum: A general vote by the electorate on a single political question (page 474)
4. Abomination: A thing that causes disgust or hatred (page 476)
1. Cite the examples of figurative language Inan uses to describe his thoughts of Zelie.
a. Page 473
b. “A mirror I can’t escape.”
c. “Her smile ones through the moon, her spirit blows with the ocean wind.”
d. Without her, the world is a living memory. A ledger of all the things I’ll never
enjoy again.”
2. What decree did Saran’s father want to declare without anyone else’s approval?
a. Page 475
b. Unite Kosidan and Maji by integrating leaders of 10 Maji clans into the nobility of
royal courts
3. Did Saran support his father? Why or why not?

a. Page 475
b. Yes, he wanted to live up to his “softhearted” first wife’s. Alika’s wish was that
Saran become someone who created change
4. What effect does Saran’s speech have on Inan? How does it change Inan’s mentality?
a. Page 476
b. He sees his father’s true history, motives and what drives his current
ruthlessness
c. The inscription on the blade: “duty before self. Kingdom before king.” It’s words
“Simplify my mission, creating space for my pain. A soldier. A great king. That’s
all I ever wanted to be. Duty over self. Orisha over Zelie.”
d. Before his priority was saving Zelie now it is saving Orisha
5. What does Inan do at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 476
b. He tells his father he knows how to get the scroll back
c. He officially takes his father’s side to betray Zelie Amari and Maji
6. What does Saran appear to know about Inan and what advice does he give him?
a. Page 476
118
b. He knows he struggles with his love for Zelie (and/or Amari) and his duty to
Orisha
c. Advice: “you waver now because that is what it means to be long. you have your
duty and your heart. To choose one means the other must suffer...because I
chose my heart (Alika), I will never be with my one true love again...to sacrifice
your heart for your kingdom is noble, son...”
1. Interpret the figurative language Inan uses to describe the deadly aftermath of the
magic used at the fortress and analyze how this enhances the text.
a. Page 476
b. “Carpet of corpses…we couldn’t see the floor”
c. Metaphor
e. Enhances internal and external conflict because Inan still sees magic as evil and
dangerous
2. Analyze how the moment when Inan holds his father’s sword is symbolic on two
different levels. Your response must include relevant and sufficient evidence and
analysis.
a. Page 476
b. He embraces his father’s mentality and creed
c. He ignores the way the majacite hilt blisters his skin just as he ignores his own
magic and true self to appear strong for his father and to choose a path of
violence instead of peace
3. Extension Question: Answer Inan’s question or write a creative scene to show where his
mistake will lead or how he could turn back: “Am I making a huge mistake? Is there still
a chance for me to turn back?”
a. Page 474
b. Opinion. Responses will vary.
119
Vocabulary
1. Fatigues: Army pants (page 478)
2. Mar: Impair the appearance of; disfigure (page 478)
3. Humble: Modest in dimensions; low estimate of one’s own importance (page 479)
4. Interject: Say something abruptly (page 469)
1. What words haunt Zelie in her dreams? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 477
b. “I wouldn’t be doing my job as long if I didn’t remind you what you are.”
2. Characterize Roen.
a. Page 478
b. Joking, smirking, looks in fun side, flirtatious, killer
3. Briefly compare and contrast Roen and Zelie’s view of taking over the ship.
a. Page 478
b. Roen jokes and laughs and says “all in a good day’s work”
c. Zelie almost throws up at the sight of blood on his hands and wants to escape
mentally to the peace of the sea
4. What does Roen show Zelie that makes her “venom evaporate”?
a. Page 478
b. 23 scars on his arm - one for every crew member they killed in front of him
1. Interpret the figurative language Zelie uses to describe the ocean and night sky and
analyze how this enhances a central theme or motif of the text.
a. Page 477
b. “The moon hangs so low in the sky it’s roundness kisses the sea. Its pale light
illuminates me as I inhale the ocean air”
c. Personification
e. Theme: Nature is healing; Individuals should embrace their true nature (a.k.a.
identity); Nature offers freedom, sense of calm and perspective
2. How does this chapter enhance a central theme regarding animals or nature?
a. Page 478
120
Vocabulary
1. Wield: Hold and use power or influence or a weapon (page 483)
2. Persevered: Continue even in the face of difficulty (page 486)
3. Falters: Start to lose strength or momentum; hesitant or unsteady (page 487)
1. Briefly paraphrase and interpret the literal meaning of the following metaphor: “I can
feel the cracks in her dam.”
a. Page 483
b. The power of her true nature is forcing its way out instead of being suppressed
and hidden.
2. What helps Amari persevere and not give up on Zelie’s ability to bring back magic?
a. Page 486
b. The thoughts of Binta on a fateful day one moon ago with the scroll in Kaea’s
room, and how they fought and rose and didn’t give up despite the odds being
against them
c. She has watched Zelie do the impossible before
3. What does Amari decide they will name the story of bringing magic back?
a. Page 487
b. The Princess and the Warrior
4. What is the purpose of the last three lines of the chapter?

a. Page 487
b. It shows the reader that Amari has doubts the plan will work even though she
outwardly seems to confidently reassures Zelie that they have to try their plan to
bring back magic
c. It enhances a mood of suspense, tension or doubt in the reader because Amari’s
“smile falters for a moment, but [she] hides it”
1. How is Zelie’s hair symbolic? Support your answer with relevant and sufficient evidence
and analysis.
a. Page 482
b. It is not smooth as silk anymore
c. It becomes coarse and thick like a lion’s mane when magic exists in the world
d. It is characteristically “African” and natural and enhances the allegory of the
importance of African Americans embracing their natural, true self as their best
self
121
central theme of the text: “I can see the wall building up around her, bricks built from
unspoken words and cemented with painful memories.”
a. Page 483
b. Metaphor
c. We build walls every time we hide our true self
d. Enhances theme of the tendency for individuals to use inauthentic exteriors to
hide their interior true self
3. Interpret the two examples of figurative language Amari uses to describe the truth that
Zelie no longer has magic and analyze how they enhance a central theme of the text.
a. Page 485
b. Metaphor: “The weight Zelie bears on her shoulders threatens to break her
back.”
c. Simile: “This new reality makes my arms feel like lead.”
d. Both illustrate the physical toll of keeping secrets, telling lies and taking sole
responsibility without asking for the support of the community or loved ones
e. Theme: It enhances the theme of the human need for community, truth and
understanding
122
Vocabulary
1. Impending: Something (usually bad) about to happen (488)
2. Dampened: Make less strong or intense (488)
3. Divert: Cause to change course or turn from one direction to another (489)
4. Prodding: Poke; Stimulate; Persuade (489)
5. Rousing: Exciting; Stirring (489)
6. Bolster: Support or strengthen (490)
1. How does Zelie connect to her audience and give a more inspiring speech on her second
try?
a. Page 488 – 490
b. At first, she tries to sound strong and brave to hide her fear but no one is
inspired by her speech
c. Then she says “I know you’re afraid” and she admits her fear as well but
emphasizes that their reason for fighting is stronger than their fear
1. How and why does the author start the first paragraph of the chapter? What theme
does this enhance?
a. Page 488
b. Beautiful and peaceful nature imagery
c. Enhances theme that nature offers sanctuary and perspective
d. May also show how our true nature does not always match our circumstances
2. How does this chapter enhance the theme that it is powerful to express your interior
true self instead of hiding behind an inauthentic exterior? Cite the most relevant
evidence to support your analysis.
a. Page 488 – 490
b. When Zelie admits her fear, she inspires and connects with her army as opposed
to when she hides her fear and is uninspiring
123
Vocabulary
1. Gait: A person’s manner of walking (492)
2. Obscure: Not well known (493)
3. Translucent: Semitransparent; Allowing light to pass through (493)
4. Tapered: Gradually lessen, diminish or reduce toward one end (494)
5. Bide: Remain or stay somewhere while waiting for something (495)
6. Hallowed: Sacred (495)
1. What can Zelie see and feel on the island?

a. Page 491
b. The spiritual energy and power of the gods
2. What gives Zelie hope that the gods are on their side?
a. Page 492
b. The dense fog in the forest hides them from the guards
3. How does Zelie know they are getting close to the temple?
a. Page 493
b. She feels the weight of the spiritual energy thickening and weighing them down
like gravity
4. Cite the figurative language Zelie uses to describe the wait at the temple.
a. Page 493
b. “An eternity...that drags like death”
c. Hyperbole and simile
5. Why does Zelie feel a guilty while waiting to enter the temple?
a. Page 494
b. She hasn’t been honest about her magic and fears the others fighting for her and
magic will be captured or killed for no reason because of her
6. Cite the figurative language Zelie uses to describe walking down to the hallowed dome
room.
a. Page 495
b. “It’s like walking into the heavens”
c. Simile
7. Cite the figurative language Zelie uses to describe Inan’s appearance.

a. Page 496
b. “A betrayal colder than ice”
124
c. Simile
8. At the end of the chapter, what does Zelie see that she can’t believe is real?
a. Page 496
b. Saran and Inan bring Baba forward in the sacred temple
1. Analyze how the following line enhances a central theme of the text: “I’m convinced
[the patrolling soldiers] can see through our helmets, but wearing the seal of Orisha
shields us from their gaze.”
a. Page 492
b. Theme: Exterior hides interior
c. Theme: People only think to see, look for or care about surface level
appearances, labels and stereotypes instead of looking deeper to see an
individual’s unique identity
2. Include sufficient evidence and analysis to thoroughly answer Zelie’s question: “What
could be [the gods’] purpose when no magic flows from my veins?”
a. Page 493
b. Opinion. Answers will vary
c. Help her take pride and true self and be honest
d. Help her have faith in gods and self
3. Extension Activity: Paint a picture of the inside of the temple.

a. Page 494
b. 10 floors of jeweled walls and ceiling depicting 10 gods
125
Vocabulary
1. Daft: Silly; foolish (497)
2. Relinquish: Give up; Give over (497)
3. Stark: Sharp; clear; impossible to avoid (499)
4. Rein: The power to direct or control (499)
5. Console: Comfort (500)
6. Timbre: the character or quality of a musical sound or voice (500)
1. What does Zelie decide at the last second before pulling Baba from Inan’s grip?
a. Page 499
b. She hands over the scroll and sunstone but keeps the bone dagger, handing over
Tzain’s rusted knife instead
2. What does Baba hope Zelie will do and how do you know?
a. Page 498 - 500
b. He is willing to die for the cause
c. He shakes his head twice to signal her not to save him and asks her why she
gives up when she was so close
3. Why does Inan scream “No!” at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 500
b. He sees the arrowhead thrown which pierces Baba’s chest
1. Kenyon looks at Zelie as if he hates her when she admits to not having magic, not being
able to do the ritual and wanting to surrender to Saran in order to save her father even
though many have already fought and died for her. Write a persuasive essay to explain
whether you agree with Zelie or Kenyon’s perspective.
a. Page 498
126
Vocabulary
1. Bludgeoned: Beaten with a heavy object (501)
1. What happens when Baba dies? Cite text evidence.

a. Page 502
b. Zelie sees his life pass before her eyes and sees all of his beautiful moments
c. “Baba’s spirit tears through my being like the earth ripping in half…his soul digs
into me than any magic I’ve ever felt…deeper than magic…the ultimate
sacrifice…the greatest blood magic I could wield.”
d. She gets her magic back through his sacrifice and blood magic
2. What does Baba’s spirit do? Cite text evidence.

a. Page 502
b. “Tears from my body as two sharp, twisting shadows...pierce through the
soldiers’ breast plates, skewering them like meat.”
3. What words does Zelie hear in her head? Cite text evidence.
a. Page 503
b. Baba’s words: “Revenge is meaningless. There is still time to make this right…as
long as we don’t have magic, they will never treat us with respect. They need to
know we can hit them back...”
4. What does Zelie realize she must do at the end of the chapter?
a. Page 503
b. Not simply kill and get revenge but follow Inan to get the artifacts and magic
back
1. Write a comparative essay to compare and contrast Zelie’s experience with and reaction
to her father’s suffering now versus her experience with and reaction to her father and
mother’s suffering during the Raid.
a. Page 501
b. During Raid: When she saw Baba beaten, she was paralyzed like a coward
c. During Raid: When her mother was taken away, something snapped and she ran
after her because her fear of the guards did not compare to her fear of losing her
mother
d. After Raid: She promised herself she’d never feel paralyzed with fear again or let
the guards take another family member away again
127
e. Now: She doesn’t even have the option to act (or be paralyzed with fear)
because she is too late to do anything to help Baba because it all happened so
quickly that nothing could be done
128
Vocabulary
1. Bucked: Oppose or resist; sudden jerky movement (506)
2. Impaling: Pierce with a sharp object (506)
3. Mutiny: An open rebellion by soldiers or sailors against the leader (507)
1. What does Inan still want to do? What is his top priority?
a. Page 505
b. “Magic is still a threat. One only I can end.”
c. Wants to destroy magic for good because he believes it will save Orisha
2. Compare and contrast the Zelie that Inan held in his arms to Zelie now. Cite specific
evidence.
a. Page 504
b. Before she was soothed and safe with her peaceful ocean spirit but now she is a
stormy sea of violence and death
c. “In her place a monster rages. It bares fangs of death. Two black shadows shoot
from Zelie’s hands and hurtle like venomous snakes.”
d. “Her sea day soul rages like an ocean storm.”
3. What is the only thing that will destroy the scroll?

a. Page 505
b. Magic
4. What does Inan say that makes him hate himself? Why does he say it?
a. Page 505
b. He tells Zelie it’s her fault her father died
c. He wants to make her feel ultimate lethal wrath and pain so she uses her magic
against him to accidentally destroy the scroll
d. He is willing to seem evil to save the kingdom because he believes it is not about
the two of them and what they could be so he must fight for something more
5. What does Zelie realize too late?

a. Page 507
b. Inan has baited her into the trap of trying to kill him and inadvertently destroying
the parchment
6. Why does Saran go from smiling with pride at Inan to recoiling in disgust?
a. Page 507
b. He smiles when he sees Inan destroy the scroll
129
c. He recoils in disgust when he sees Inan unthinkingly use his magic in front of him
to stop a mercenary from killing him (Saran)
7. What does Saran do at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 508 – 509
b. He stabs Inan and tells him “you are no son of mine.”
1. In your opinion, is Inan all bad or is he trying to do the right thing?

a. Page 505
b. Opinion. Answers will vary
c. Possible answer: He is a coward who made the wrong choice solely to gain his
father’s approval and avoid his father’s wrath
d. Possible answer: His thoughts reveal that he empathizes with Zelie’s heartbreak
at her father’s loss and that he wanted to keep Baba alive and save Zelie and
keep his promises to make Orisha a better place
2. Do you agree with Inan that if Zelie brings magic back then the Magi will destroy Orisha
and wars will wage?
a. Page 505
130
Vocabulary
1. Barrel (verb): Move fast, heedless of surroundings or obstacles in the way (510)
2. Debilitating: Making someone very weak or unable to function (510)
3. Pivot: Turn quickly on one foot (510)
1. How many men does Amari defeat with her blade at the start of the chapter?
a. Page 510
b. 12
2. Who does Saran stab?

a. Page 511
b. Inan
3. What does Saran say to Inan?

a. Page 511
b. You are no son of mine.
4. What does Amari plan to do at the end of the chapter?

a. Page 511
b. She plans to kill her father
1. Make a prediction. Will Inan die? Is magic gone for good? Support your prediction with
text evidence.
a. Page 509
2. What is the purpose of Chapter 81 and 82? F

a. The author includes the same scene from Inan and Amari’s perspective to reveal
their true feelings to their father and each other.
131
Vocabulary
1. Relenting: Becoming less severe or intense (512)
2. Parry: Ward off (512)
3. Abolish: Formally put an end to (513)
4. Rally (verb): Bring together (514)
1. Why did Inan and Zelie go along with fighting each other?
a. Page 512
b. They wanted their father’s love and approval
2. Cite the best piece of textual evidence that illustrates why Amari hesitates when she has
her chance to “rid Orisha of its greatest monster”.
a. Page 513
b. I cannot end it like this. If I do that? I’m no better than him. Orisha will not
survive by employing his tactics.”
3. In the end, what does Zelie do and why?

a. Page 514
b. She ends up killing Saran after all because he does not hesitate to kill her and he
slices through her back
1. What was Saran’s motive for forcing Amari and Inan to fight each other their entire life?
Analyze how learning this motive enhances the text.
a. Page 512
b. Motive: His first children were loved but weak and killed and he did not want
Amari and Inan to be weak and suffer the same fate
d. Possible theme: Intentions and motives are more important than actions
e. Possible Characterization: Motive allows reader to empathize with Saran and see
him as more relatable and reasonable
2. How is the fight between Saran and Amari ironic? What does she say that enhances this
irony? How does this irony enhance the text?
a. Page 512
b. “You raised me to fight monsters…the real monster was you.”
c. He created the weapon that will kill him
132
Chapter 84 page 515-519
Vocabulary
1. Fending: Defending from attacker (516)
2. Indistinguishable: Not able to be identified as different or distinct (518)
3. Virtue: Behavior showing high moral standards (519)
1. How does Zelie know the solstice has arrived?

a. Page 515 – 516
b. The statues in the temple glow to life as the whole temple shakes
2. What realization hits Zelie “like ice”? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 516
b. “The scroll’s incantation was supposed to tether is to sky mother through magic,
but what if there was another way to reach her instead?”
3. What possibilities does Zelie hope for despite the destroyed scroll?
a. Page 516
b. That she’ll remember the incantation
c. That the incantation will be written somewhere else in the temple
d. That she could draw on the connection with her ancestors through blood to form
a new connection with Sky Mother
4. What ultimate sacrifice does Zelie perform to bring back magic?

a. Page 517
b. She uses blood magic of all of the spirits of her ancestors and they speak the
incantation through her as she is painfully ripped apart by blood magic
5. What happens when Zelie finishes saying the incantation, Sky Mother lights up and the
solstice ends? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 518
b. The sunstone shatters
c. The light explodes through the room and every fiber of Zelie’s being, causing the
whole world to shine
6. What does Zelie see as she sees “creation swirl before [her] eyes”?
a. Page 518
b. Birth of man, origin of gods
7. Interpret and paraphrase the literal meaning of the following statement: “We are all
children of blood and bone. All instruments of vengeance and virtue.”
a. Page 519
133
b. No one is all good or all bad. Everyone is good and bad. Everyone is a fallible
human. No one is perfect.
1. How is magic symbolic for something greater? Analyze how this symbolism enhances a
central allegory in the text: “Magic shatters through every heart, every soul, every being.
It connects us all, threading through the shell of humanity.”
a. Page 518
c. Magic symbolizes race, identity, true identity, etc.
d. Common humanity binds us all together despite perceived differences
2. How could the following excerpt be interpreted as a biblical allusion: “The power sears
into my skin. It’s ecstasy and agony flow at once, indistinguishable from pleasure and
pain. As it fades, I see the truth - in plain sight, yet hidden all along”?
a. Page 518
b. Biblical allusion: Tree of Knowledge in Garden of Eden. Unlike the bliss of
ignorance, knowledge brings power and joy as well as pain and suffering.
3. Interpret the following examples of figurative language and analyze how this enhances a
central theme of the text: “This truth holds me close, rocking me like a child in a
mother’s arms. It binds me in its love as death swallows me into its grasp.”
a. Page 519
b. Personification
c. It enhances the theme that there is not good without bad or life without death
but that opposites are inevitable and necessary to make the whole
134
Vocabulary
1. Grace: Favor or blessing (522)
1. Where is Zelie at the beginning of the chapter?

a. Page 520
b. Dead in Alafia
2. What does Zelie’s mama say to her in reply to Zelie saying she believed her mother was
gone? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 521
b. “You are a sister of Oya...our spirits never die...I have always been with you,
always by your side.”
3. How does Zelie feel in her mama’s presence? Cite specific text evidence.
a. Page 521
b. Safe, home
4. Who is in Alafia with mama?

a. Page 522
b. Baba
5. What does Zelie want?

a. Page 522 – 523
b. To stay in Alafia with mama and Baba and not experience anymore pain of life
6. How does the author let the audience know that Tzain and Zelie will survive? Cite
specific text evidence to support your answer.
a. Page 523
b. Mama’s dialogue: “I will never leave your side…when you think you’re
alone...Tzain does not belong here [in Alafia]...nether do you [Zelie].”
c. “It’s not over, little Zel. It’s only just begun.”
1. Write a comparative essay to compare and contrast Zelie’s expectations of death versus
the reality of death. Cite the relevant evidence to support your answer.
a. Page 525
b. “I always pictured the winter wind, but heat surrounds me like the oceans of
Ilorin.”
135
c. A singing voice and the feeling of her mother’s love radiate from a snowflake and
wrap her in love
d. She views death as a “gift” in payment for her sacrifices
2. Analyze the purpose of this chapter, including how the author characterizes death and
how this characterization enhances the text.
a. Page 523
b. Author characterizes death positively, as a peaceful, safe sanctuary
136
Epilogue (page 524-525)
Vocabulary
1. Hues: Shades of color (page 524)
2. Surges: Sudden powerful forward or upward movement (page 524)
1. Where is Zelie?
a. Page 524
b. On a row boat on the sea headed to the ship
2. Did Zelie succeed in her quest, and how does the author let the audience know?
a. Page 525
b. Zelie asks if magic is back
c. Amari shows the blue magic coming from her and a white streak in her hair
3. Why does Zelie’s blood chill to ice?

a. Page 525
b. Opinion
c. In response to seeing that Amari and potentially all Kosidan and Maji have magic,
Zelie is afraid of how everyone will use their magic
1. How does the author differentiate her own perspective on life from Zelie’s perspective
on life? How do these perspectives enhance a central theme of the text?
a. Page 524
b. While Zelie claims she does not want to be alive as she characterizes life as
“pain”, the author makes a point to show the hope and love of the characters to
reveal that the author actually values the beauty, relationships and love of life
despite the pain
c. Seeing Zelie and the author’s different perspectives enhances the theme of
needing pain with love and death with life and all opposites to make life full
2. Make a prediction for the next book and entire trilogy. Will there be war? Will Inan live?
Will Amari rule peacefully over Orisha? Will anyone contest Amari’s rule? Cite evidence
to support your prediction.
137
Post-Reading Discussion
1. What is the text structure and how do differing points of view enhance meaning, pace, irony
and/or suspense of the text? Cite specific evidence to support your analysis.
a. Chapters divided by rotating narration between four first person narrators
b. Rotating narrators enhance suspense, pace and meaning because see all
perspectives while also seeing limited and delayed perspectives that keep up
pace and keep reader in suspense
2. What is the author’s purpose in writing this novel? Cite specific evidence to support your
analysis.
a. Purpose is to write an allegory and social critique for African American history
and/or the realities of being black in America today
3. How is the author’s particular point of view or cultural experience illustrated in this novel?
Cite specific evidence to support your analysis.
a. As an Nigerian-American author, she uses languages (Yoruba), names, clothing,
hairstyles, words and customs from West African culture throughout the text
b. The entire text is an allegory for African American history and/or the realities of
being black in America today
4. In your opinion, what is the most important theme in the text? Cite specific evidence to
a. Themes include: Every individual needs a sense of belonging and community;
Reality is subjective and shaped by perception; The concept of right and wrong
are subjective and conditioned; The unknown leads to fear and violence;
Stereotyped labels ignore individuality; Individuals hide their interior authentic
identities with exterior inauthentic personas; Hope can be a destructive and
empowering force; Prejudice requires dehumanization
5. Analyze one allusion to literature, myth, religion, history or current events that the author
uses to enhance conflict, main idea, purpose and/or theme. Cite specific evidence to
a. Allusions to Red Sea, Garden of Eden, Slave Trade, Segregation, Apartheid, Jim
Crowe Laws, Institutionalized Racism in America, Police Brutality against people
of color, etc.
138
6. How would viewing the film version of this novel be similar and different to reading the text
version of the novel? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each medium? Cite
specific evidence to support your analysis.
a. Color is referenced repeatedly throughout the novel, characters are contrasted
based on skin and hair color and characters wear West African hairstyles and
clothing throughout the text – seeing this constantly via film instead of just being
reminded of it periodically through the author’s word choice would drastically
change the experience of reading the novel
7. In your opinion, what is the most important symbol in the text? Cite specific evidence to
a. Magic = An individual’s true identity or the power of expressing one’s true self
b. Stocks = Slave Trade
c. Raid = Police brutality, institutionalized racism, etc.
d. Maji Clans = Different types of leaders in black history and current events
e. Orisha Map and cities = Segregated communities
f. Nature = Peace, perspective, etc.
g. Animals = Base instincts of humans
h. Analysis answers will vary.
8. In your opinion, what is the most important allegory in the text? Cite specific evidence to
a. The entire text is an allegory for African American history and/or the realities of
being black in America today (Slave Trade, Segregation, Apartheid, Jim Crowe
Laws, Institutionalized Racism in America, Police Brutality against people of
color, etc.)
139

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Pre-Reading – Page 2 Chapter 30 – Page 53 Chapter 60 – Page 92

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

1. What color is Zelie’s hair and why?

2. Characterize Mama Agba.

3. Who does Zelie fight at the graduation match?

5. What slur word does Yemi use to provoke Zelie?

8. What is the soldier’s purpose for entering Mama Agba’s ahere?

9. What are diviners meant to become?

10. What happened to Zelie’s mother?

11. According to Mama Agba, why do the guards hate diviners?

14. Characterize Tzain.

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

1. What is Tzain’s goal?

2. What is Zelie and Tzain’s daily responsibility?

3. Why can’t Baba be alone?

4. Compare and contrast Baba before and after the Raid.

6. Where do Tzain and Zelie plan to go and why?

7. Where will Baba go?

1. Make a text-to-world connection and analyze what allegory is enhanced by the

Comprehension Short Response Questions

3. Characterize Amari’s mother.

5. What is the beauty regimen Amari’s mother praises and why?

6. What is the monarchy’s seal?

8. According to Amari, what does everyone in the palace know?

11. What might “light” be a symbol for?

Analysis Extended Response Questions

3. How does Saran characterize magic? Cite text evidence.

Comprehension Short Response Questions

1. How is Lagos different than Ilorin?

2. Where was the biggest Maji population before the Raid?

3. What is Zelie’s last name?

9. Make a prediction. Who is the cloaked, amber-eyed girl?

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

2. Who are the guards looking for?

3. What is the best evidence to show Zelie’s selflessness and courage?

4. Who saves Zelie and Amari?

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

Analysis Extended Response Questions

1. Blanches: Grow pale from shock or fear (page 75)

Short Response Questions

1. Where did Zelie live before the raids?

3. What kind of Magi was Zelie’s mom?

Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

3. Why does Inan’s head spin at his father’s words?

4. What did Saran do to end magic?

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

Analysis Extended Response Questions

Comprehension Short Response Questions

1. What is Mama Agba’s vision?