Major Theme:

Family and Heroism

Summary:

This story focus on springtime in Philadelphia. Her parents are moving from the garret into a boarding house. In the boarding house Addy finds a wise and inspiring friend, M'dear.  Addy doesn't know when she was born, therefore M'dear encourages her to claim a day as her birthday.  Addy finds this difficult, no day seems just right.  Shortly afterwards M'dear becomes sick.  Addy and Sarah took a streetcar to get medicine.  On their trip, they face prejudice and danger.  Addy becomes very angered and hurt.  M'dear helps Addy overcome these feelings and help her to understand the road to freedom.  Addy finally claims a day to celebrate as her birthday.  Ironically, she has grown in many ways. Her birthday becomes a very special one, the entire city joins in the celebration.

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

What special day did Addy choose as her birthday?

Why did Addy Choose this day as her birthday?

How would you describe M'dear?

Question #4

Why was M'dear so special to Addy?

Question #5

What was it that happened among the people outside in the streets that made it so special?
 

Question #6

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Question #8

Question #9

What is the main idea of this book?

What facts or ideas show Addy as a courageous girl determined to be free in the midst of the Civil War?
 

Why didn't Addy the day she was born?

What examples can you find to support Addy's idea that M'dear could see as a person that isn't blind?
 

Question #10

How would you apply what you've learned to develop a journal of Black families during the Civil War?
 

Question #11

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Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

Students will develop a diary for Addy.  The diary will include Addy's friends, family, struggles, successes, sad times, celebrations, secrets, and adventures. Students may work in groups for this project.
    

 

Extension #4

Extension #5