Teachers/Librarians Corner

Study Guide for Nadanda The Wordmaker

After reading Nadanda The Wordmaker, girls and women may find some peculiar bonds between themselves. These bonds exceed literary conversations and call attention to how we feel about others and ourselves. Following are a few questions that may open useful dialogue as a group of readers pore over its pages.

Nadanda and her mother

• Are there similarities between your relationship with your mother and the relationship between Nadanda and her mother?

• During the teen years, what conflicts make mothers and daughters struggle? Point to the conflicts between Nadanda and her mother.

Mysterious Nadanda

• Nadanda shows quick decision-making skills, but there's mystery in what she sees. Why is that?

• What led Nadanda to become a word maker?

PUZZLE IT OUT

• Which book by Vivian Owens features a boy as the main character?

• Which work of fiction by Vivian Owens relies heavily on scientific principles?

• Two historically black colleges play important roles in shaping characters in two Owens' books. Name these colleges.