Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa, sharing borders with Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Chad, and the Central African Republic. List facts or speculations about the culture, history, and politics of Sudan. What struggles might modern-day refugees from this region face?

Teaching Suggestion: Sudan is an African country with rich history and traditions, but it is also a country that’s been deeply affected by colonialism, civil war, and other political strife. This history of struggle, in part, is what propels Kek and his family into action and forces them to flee. Learning about Sudanese culture will help students better understand the challenges Kek faces Adjusting to a New Home and Culture.

• This article from National Geographic discusses the Sudanese kingdoms whose history is a common source of pride for Sudanese people.
• “What Went Wrong in Sudan?“ is a 5-minute educational video that offers background and recent repeated conflicts.
• “Sudan Profile – Timeline“ is a helpful resource from the BBC.

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced learners, consider spending more time learning about the history of Sudan and South Sudan, and taking a deeper dive into the complex political and global forces that have molded the region it is today.