Major Theme:

prejudice and friendship
 

Summary:

Cassie Logan, who narrated Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, now tells the haunting story of a neighbor in Mississippi, Mr. Tom Bee, who dares to call a white storekeeper by his first name.  A long time ago Mr. Tom Bee had saved the white man's life.  But when Mr. Bee puts their friendship to the test, something terrible-and unforgettable-happens.
 

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

Why are these things important in The Friendship?
a.  a bottle of headache medicine
b.  two strings of catfish
c.  a can of sardines
d.  a jar of candy canes
e.  tobacco
f.   a shotgun

 

Explain the meaning of this quote from The Friendship,
"Boy, you disputin' my word?  Just look at ya!  Skin's black as dirt.  Could put seeds on ya and have 'em growin' in no time!"

 

Why do you think Mildred D. Taylor chose to call this story The Friendship?

 

Question #4

Do you believe Tom considered himself to be John's friend?  How do you know?
 

Question #5

Have you or anyone else you know ever kept a friendship in spite of social pressure to make you drop the friend?  Explain the details of this friendship and the pressure to give it up.

 

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Question #9

Can you imagine living in a world in which you are considered inferior by a great mass of people?  What do you think this kind of world has done to Tom Bee and John Wallace?  Why do you think people want to make others feel inferior?

 

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Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

The day after the shooting two conversations occur between people who were there.  They talk about the shooting, about prejudice, and friendship.  Work with a partner to create the conversation that occurs between these two pairs.  When you have finished, practice your dialogues, and perform them for your class.  Video the performance.
 

Create posters with "Kid Pix" to advertise the need for equality in the world.

Extension #4

Extension #5