The Book of Negroes

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is Aminata’s religion?

2. Who first introduces Aminata to reading?

3. What is the name of Aminata’s native village?

4. What does Aminata’s mother do for work?

5. What happens to Aminata’s parents?

6. In addition to the moon’s cycles, what does Aminata use to track time during captivity?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is one of the ways that enslavers used fear and humiliation to keep their captives under control?

2. What can readers learn about West African history from the stories of Timbuktu? 

Chapters 4-9

Reading Check

1. What is a djeli?

2. What is the English name Tom gives Aminata?

3. How many captives are left alive when the ship reaches Sullivan’s Island?

4. Why can’t Aminata forgive Fanta?

5. Why does Aminata’s name change to Meena?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What doesn’t Aminata respond well to Tom’s touch? (Chapter 4)

2. What does Aminata mean by the “jolly abolitionist?” (Chapter 5)

Paired Resource

“A History of the Griot in African Society”