Taino Encounter and Historical Context

The story, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by David Shannon, follows a young Taino boy who dreams of strange birds that turn out to be European ships. Despite his warnings, the Taino people welcome the strangers, leading to cultural exchanges and eventual colonization. The boy's fears are realized as the strangers take some of his people away, marking the beginning of a tragic transformation for the Taino. The author's note provides historical context about Columbus's arrival and its impact on the Taino people.

What wakes the protagonist from his dream?

• The rising sun

• A bird's call

• The sound of waves

• A loud clap of thunder

What does the protagonist see in his dream?

• A stormy sea

• A distant island

• Three great winged birds

• A giant serpent

What does the protagonist find on the beach?

• Sailed canoes

• A group of strangers

• Real birds

• A treasure chest

What is the protagonist's reaction to the strangers?

• He offers them gifts

• He hides from them

• He warns the chief

• He welcomes them

How do the strangers appear to the protagonist?

• Like humans

• Like birds

• Like spirits

• Like animals

What does the protagonist do to test if the strangers are human?

• He pinches one of them

• He speaks to them

• He offers them food

• He observes their behavior

What does the protagonist notice about the strangers' eyes?

• They are green and calm

• They are red and fiery

• They are blue and gray

• They are black and deep

What happens to the protagonist at the end of the encounter?

• He hides in the forest

• He is taken by the strangers

• He fights the strangers

• He returns to his village

What does the protagonist do after being taken by the strangers?

• He befriends the strangers

• He escapes and swims to shore

• He becomes their leader

• He learns their language

What is the historical context provided in the author's note?

• Columbus's arrival in the New World

• The discovery of a new continent

• The first contact with the Taino people

• The colonization of the Americas