“The Bicycle”

1.       What is the significance of the bicycle?

2.      How does McBride feel about his stepfather? How do you know?

3.      How does Daddy die, and what is the effect on the author (James McBride)?

4.      “Matters of race and identity she ignored” (9). Why does Ruth ignore these matters?

5.      Discuss the difference that McBride sees between TV show family life and his own.

6.      What made Ruth Mc Bride so conspicuous?

7.      Explain “killed or be killed” (page 10).

8.      What did mom do to help James settle in to kindergarten?

9.      James was a posthumous child. Explain.

10.  How does Mommy’s advice to “Educate your mind,” help James at the end of the chapter?