The Color of Water

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-4

Reading Check

1. Ruth McBride was born in what country?

2. In te wake of his stepfather’s death, James takes up a new hobby doing what?

3. Ruth comes to America at what age?

4. James’s older siblings embrace the Black Power movement by wearing “liberation colors” (25). What are those colors?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why did Tateh agree to an arranged marriage with Mameh?

2. What is a moment in the text that exemplifies how James has internalized white America’s fears about the Black Panthers and Black Power?

Paired Resource

“The Story of James McBride”

• In this brief video, APB Speakers interviews James McBride about his career and his works, including The Color of Water.  
• James explains how his Cultural Heritage and his upbringing from his mother have deeply influenced his writing.
• What do you think about James’s comments about how he sees his failures as lessons? How could you apply this to your own life? 

CHAPTERS 5-8

Reading Check

1. In 1929, Ruth’s family settles in what city in Virginia?

2.