Chapter 15: The Mississippi River

1. Read the following sentence: "Even though the fires were tended constantly, the cold blasts of wind bit into their skin and blew firebrands onto the tent roofs." (pg. 92) What does the word firebrands mean?

• smoke from a fire
• dust
• a piece of burning wood

2. Read the following sentence: "She wouldn't just wander off or try to go back home, the way some people have," Mother said frantically searching through Aunt Kee's bundle." (pg. 94) Using context clues, what does the word frantically mean?

• calmly or smoothly
• feeling or showing fear and worry
• quietly

3. Read the following sentence: "But ice continuously buffeted the boat." (pg. 96) Using context clues, what does the word buffeted mean?

• to hit against
• to melt
• to fall from the sky

4. Read the following sentence: "She lost sight of the boat when she was jostled in the crowd of people who were being led away from the landing to make room for others." (pg. 96) Using context clues, what does the word jostled mean?

• to hug or embrace
• to push, crowd, or bump into
• to watch over someone

5. What river did the tribes come up to?

• Mobile
• Mississippi
• Allegheny
• Colorado

6. What was the problem with crossing the river?

• It was too deep.
• They could not swim.
• Too many people to cross.
• There was too much ice.

7. What happened to Hawk Boy?

• He fell and broke his leg.
• He became ill.
• He wanted to turn around.
• He could not talk anymore.

8. What was Father's good news?

• The ice was breaking up on the river.
• The White Men were leaving.
• Their food supplies had increased.
• Old Roving Man was found.

9. Why did Aunt Kee feel okay about taking the vegetables?

• They would have starved without them.
• The farmer gave her permission.
• The farmer didn't seem to want them anyway.
• They were her favorite kind.