Understanding 'January Sparrow' Themes and Characters

The story 'January Sparrow' by Patricia Polacco follows Sadie Crosswhite, a young girl on a plantation, witnessing the brutal capture and punishment of January, a beloved runaway slave. Despite January's attempt to escape to Indiana, he is caught and severely punished by the plantation's overseers. The narrative also explores the bond between Sarah, Sadie's mother, and David, the master's son, whom she raised. The family reflects on January's fate, and Sadie is left with a sense of guilt for not warning her parents about January's plan to escape.

What is the title of the story introduced in the video?

• April Sparrow

• January Sparrow

• March Sparrow

• February Sparrow

Who is the youngest member of the Crosswhite family?

• Sadie

• Adam

• Ben

• Sarah

What do the paddy rollers do when they arrive at the plantation?

• They help with the harvest

• They deliver a message

• They bring a runaway slave back

• They free the slaves

Who is the runaway slave that Sadie recognizes?

• January

• David

• Ben

• Francis

What does Master Giltner want to demonstrate with January's punishment?

• The consequences of running away

• The importance of education

• The value of hard work

• The benefits of loyalty

What do the overseers use to punish January?

• A leather belt

• A black snake whip

• A wooden stick

• A metal chain

How does Sadie's brother Ben react to January's punishment?

• He runs away

• He faints

• He struggles to watch

• He cheers

What do the overseers do after whipping January?

• They leave him alone

• They rub salt and pepper into his wounds

• They give him water

• They apologize

Who does Sarah approach after January's punishment?

• Her daughter Sadie

• Master Giltner's carriage

• Her husband Adam

• The overseers

What is Sarah's relationship with David?

• She raised him after his mother's death

• She is his sister

• She is his teacher

• She is his mother