I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 36 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, how does Maya’s experience at the church program show the way she feels about herself? What details help you understand her feelings?
2. In Chapter 2, the Store is important to Maya’s family and community. What does the Store show you about daily life in Stamps?
3. In Chapter 3, what do you learn about Momma and Uncle Willie from the way they run the household and care for the children?
4. In Chapter 4, Momma is treated rudely by some white girls but stays calm. What does her reaction teach Maya, and what might it teach the reader?
5. In Chapter 5, why does the family feel afraid when danger comes near Uncle Willie? How does this chapter show the unfairness of racism?
6. In Chapter 6, Maya and Bailey receive gifts from their parents. How do the gifts change what the children think about their parents and themselves?
7. In Chapter 7, Maya meets more of her family in St. Louis. How does the new setting feel different from Stamps?
8. In Chapter 8, Maya feels confused and unsafe around Mr. Freeman. What warning signs does the author show, and why is it important that children be protected?
9. In Chapter 9, Maya connects her words with a terrible result and becomes silent. Why do you think she blames herself, even though she is a child?
10. In Chapter 10, Maya returns to Stamps carrying painful memories. How do Bailey and Momma try to help her feel safe?
11. In Chapter 11, Mrs. Flowers reaches out to Maya through books and speaking. Why is Mrs. Flowers such an important person in Maya’s life?
12. In Chapter 12, Maya begins to see language and stories in a new way. How can reading or writing help a person heal or feel stronger?
13. In Chapter 13, the community gathers for worship and shared hope. What do these gatherings show about the strength of the people in Stamps?
14. In Chapter 14, the Joe Louis fight brings many people together. Why does his victory matter so deeply to the Black community in the chapter?
15. In Chapter 15, Maya works for Mrs. Cullinan and is called by the wrong name. Why does Maya’s real name matter so much to her?
16. In Chapter 16, Maya finds a bold way to stand up for herself. Do you think her choice is understandable? Why or why not?
17. In Chapter 17, Bailey has his own struggles and strong feelings. How is Bailey similar to Maya, and how is he different?
18. In Chapter 18, Maya notices rules that are not written down but still control people’s lives. What are some of those rules, and why are they unfair?
19. In Chapter 19, Bailey sees something that changes the way he thinks about the world. How does this experience affect him?
20. In Chapter 20, Maya watches adults handle fear, anger, or disappointment. What can you learn about courage from the adults in this chapter?
21. In Chapter 21, Maya thinks about beauty, race, and how people are judged. What message does this chapter give about real worth?
22. In Chapter 22, Maya prepares for an important school event. What hopes do Maya and her classmates have, and why do those hopes matter?
23. In Chapter 23, graduation day is both hurtful and inspiring. How do the speaker’s words and Henry Reed’s song affect Maya?
24. In Chapter 24, Momma tries to get help for Maya from a white dentist. What do Momma’s actions show about dignity and standing up for family?
25. In Chapter 25, Maya’s father comes back into her life. How does his visit make Maya feel, and what questions does it raise for her?
26. In Chapter 26, Maya travels with her father and faces a risky situation. What does this chapter show about her bravery and quick thinking?
27. In Chapter 27, Maya has a painful conflict with Dolores. What does Maya learn about anger, fear, and protecting herself?
28. In Chapter 28, Maya spends time with a group of young people who live by their own rules. How does this experience help her understand independence?
29. In Chapter 29, Maya moves to California and sees a different kind of city life. What feels new or surprising to her?
30. In Chapter 30, Daddy Clidell becomes an important adult in Maya’s life. What makes him a good father figure for her?
31. In Chapter 31, Maya decides she wants a job that seems closed to her. What does her effort to become a streetcar conductor show about persistence?
32. In Chapter 32, Maya learns more about work, responsibility, and being treated fairly. What lesson does she learn that could help readers today?
33. In Chapter 33, Maya thinks about who she is and worries about growing up. Why can growing up make people feel unsure of themselves?
34. In Chapter 34, Maya faces a big secret and feels afraid to tell the adults. What might make it hard for a young person to ask for help?
35. In Chapter 35, Maya tells Bailey about her problem and receives support. Why is Bailey’s reaction important?
36. In Chapter 36, Maya becomes a mother and is scared she will make mistakes. How does the ending show both fear and hope?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

In Chapter 11, Mrs. Flowers reaches out to Maya through books and speaking. Why is Mrs. Flowers such an important person in Maya’s life?

I think Mrs. Flowers is important because she sees Maya as smart and special, even when Maya is quiet. She does not force Maya to talk, but she gently shows her that words can be beautiful and powerful. Mrs. Flowers gives Maya books and respect, which helps Maya begin to feel stronger inside.

In Chapter 23, graduation day is both hurtful and inspiring. How do the speaker’s words and Henry Reed’s song affect Maya?

The speaker’s words hurt Maya because they make the students feel like their dreams do not matter as much as white students’ dreams. I think Maya feels disappointed and angry because graduation was supposed to be a proud day. Henry Reed’s song helps bring pride back to the students. It reminds them that they still have worth and strength.

In Chapter 31, Maya decides she wants a job that seems closed to her. What does her effort to become a streetcar conductor show about persistence?

Maya’s effort shows persistence because she does not quit when people try to stop her. She keeps returning and asking for the job, even though it is difficult and unfair. I think she proves that being determined can help someone open a door that others said was closed. Her courage makes me respect her even more.