Major Theme:

The joy of visiting Grandma on a summer vacation is a fond memory for everyone

Summary:

This is just a simple, short book to enjoy.
BigMama is the name black children give their grandmother because she is their parent's mama.  This story is told from children's point of view and captures the excitement of visiting the country home of a grandparent in the summer.  It is carefree and a beautiful example of strong family ties and love within black families

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Why was Grandma called BigMama?

Do you think BigMama lived in the same state as her grandchildren?  Why or why not?

What do you know about Uncle Slank?

Question #4

List all the things that hadn't changed in BigMama's house since the children's last visit?

Question #5

Who do you think is telling the story?  What evidence in the story makes you think so?

Question #6

Question #7

Question #8

Question #9

Why did the children love to visit BigMama?

What happened when the train whistled?

What was special about waking up at BigMama's?

Where would you hunt for eggs if you visited BigMama's?

Question #10

What would you most like to do if you visited BigMama's?

Question #11

Question #12

Question #13

Question #14

Question #15

Question #16

Question #17

Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

Write a letter to daddy about the train trip and arriving at BigMama's.

Draw BigMama's house and out buildings.

Draw the train depot at Cottondale

Extension #4

Write a poem about summer

Extension #5