Home of the Brave - Parts1 & 2

Kek compares his relationship with Dave to the relationship of –

• a father and son, dependent on one another like the sun and the moon.
• a cow and a horse who share the same farm.
• the winter and spring seasons.
• a cow and a goat wanting to be friends, but wondering if they ever can.

Author Katherine Applegate uses symbolism to make the story more interesting. Dave teaches Kek that the dead trees aren't quite dead and that they actually lose all of their leaves in the winter before coming back to life in the spring. Kek refers to these trees as “not-dead” trees. What does this most likely symbolize to Kek?

• Things change over time.
• Winter won’t last forever.
• His mother may still be alive.
• Dave is a very wise man.

Which detail best supports the idea that Ganwar is angry and bitter?

• Ganwar stares at me. Always, his eyes seem to know more than I will ever know.
• They’re all gone, Kek. They’re all dead, says Ganwar.
• Ganwar mutters. I didn’t come to this country to sweep floors.
• You laugh like your brother, Ganwar says. His grin is gone.

How does Ganwar feel about living in Minnesota?

• He doesn’t like it because he keeps getting into fights at school.
• He’s thankful for the freedom, but doesn’t feel like he will ever fit in.
• He hates the cold, but enjoys the food and friends he has made.
• He is appreciative of all the job opportunities and the free schooling.

Read the sentences from the text. The crocodile snaps; Still Kek swims. The feet bleed; Still Kek dances. The sandstorm blinds; Still Kek laughs. What can you infer about Kek based on the song his father used to sing?

• He has a positive outlook and doesn’t give up when faced with a challenge.
• He is a hard worker, but still makes time for fun.
• He is often silly and playful.
• He gets into mischief and gets hurt.

Which of the following details do not describe Kek?

• long arms like tree branches
• large smile and a silly face
• shy smiling eyes
• eyelashes like a girl

Read the sentences from the text. Dave isn’t like my father, not at all. But it’s been good to have someone watching over me, even for just a while. It's been a long time since I've known that feeling, like a soft blanket on a night when the wind howls. What can you infer about Kek’s relationship with Dave?

• Kek feels safe with Dave and is grateful that he can support him when his parents cannot.
• Kek is glad that Dave is helping him, but thinks he is trying to replace his father.
• Kek is unsure about Dave, but feels better knowing that he’s only there to help for a short time.
• He is not happy that Dave is trying to act like his father, but appreciative that he has at least one person to watch over him.

PONDER THE PROVERB: A proverb is a short saying that expresses a common truth or belief. Proverbs are often metaphorical and are used to convey a moral or lesson. They are often passed down from generation to generation and are used to impart wisdom and provide guidance. Read the proverb below from Part 1. When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. Explain what the proverb means and how it connects to the events in part 1 of the story.

What happened to Kek’s mother?

• She escaped when the refugee camp that she was in got attacked.
• After the camp she was in got attacked, she was able to escape and is on her way to Minnesota.
• She was killed when the refugee camp she was in got attacked.
• After the camp she was in got attacked, she may have left for another camp.

What does Kek find surprising about his teachers in the ESL class?

• He is surprised to learn that his teachers do not “know all things.”
• they have different skin colors
• they are happy to be teachers
• they don’t work for free