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. What is folklore? What characteristics do stories in this genre share?

Teaching Suggestion: Students might benefit from discussing the characteristics of the genre more generally before reviewing details and examples regarding the Black folklore in the novel specifically. It might be helpful to share a picture book version of a folktale with students, perhaps read aloud, so that common folktale characteristics can be pointed out. In another introductory approach, small groups might choose different picture book folktales (each representing a different culture) to read together, analyze, and share with the group.

• This entry defines folklore and explores different types and regional characteristics of folklore.
• This suggestion list from the New York Public Library includes stories that feature African and African American folktale figures.
• This article provides five examples of Black folklore. (Teacher-appropriate; not-student facing due to mature content and imagery.)

2. In literature and storytelling, what is a hero? What experiences do heroes typically undergo before they are recognized as such?