Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. He is born “probably in 1985.” (Chapter 1)

2. Italy (Chapter 1)

3. Mogadishu (Chapter 1)

4. A civil war breaks out. (Chapter 2)

5. A crocodile (Chapter 2)

Short Answer

1. Hassan did not cry when he was circumcised by their father. (Chapter 1)

2. Nomads care little about borders or nations, only about the rains, their herds, and their families. (Chapter 1).

3. Somalia receives help from the United States. (Chapter 1).

4. Because they are from the Rahanweyn tribe (Chapter 2)

5. Men will be the main targets of an attack, which poses a danger to their families. (Chapter 2)

Chapters 5-8

Reading Check

1. Qat, a plant that has a narcotic effect when chewed (Chapter 5)

2. “Abdi American” (Chapter 6)

3. Coming to America (Chapter 7)

4. Imam or soldier (Chapter 7)

5. Weddings (Chapter 8)

6. Kenya (Chapter 8)

Short Answer

1. She has a VHS player and operates a cinema in her home, where Abdi watches American films.