ChapterSummariesandDiscussionQuestions

How well were the slaves educated? How did they speak English, and why with the accent? They taught each other and picked up on the Southern accent. Mama Flore was the one who taught 47. They didn't know much else though besides some English.--Nishad A.
 * __Ch. 1-2__**

Why were the slave quarters worse that the "killin' shack", and why did 47 think this? 47 didn't know anyone and he wasn't used to the conditions in the slave quarters. He also had never been to Mr. Stewart's "Killin' Shack". He believed that the slave quarters were very dirty and that you never came out of the "Killin' Shack".--Nishad A.

Do you think that champ went too far on 25, meaning should he have beaten him to a pulp? Personally, I think that it was necessary for Champ to beat 25 to a pulp. Somebody needed to teach 25 a lesson because he knew that he shouldn't have branded 47. Though, he does it anyway to seek some revenge because he is jealous that 47 had the easy life before he came to pick cotton. --Joey J

Who do you really think Tall John is? What is he? I think that he is a good kid that wants to help 47. He seems to be some sort of intergalactic companion that helps 47 learn new ideas and methods. Also, Tall John seems like a kid that would always be nice and you would never get annoyed of him because of excessive kindness. --Joey J

On page 4, the author talks about how Una Turner would have certain "attacks", what type of "attacks" could these be? The attacks that Una could have had were: heart attacks, excessive headaches, and strokes. These could have been the attacks that were lessened in strength due to 47's mom's beautiful singing. So, when 47's mom died, Una Turner could not survive her next attack.--RP

On page 13, 47 runs away from Mr.Stewart and got to Mama Flore, then she closed the door on him Why would she do that? She did not want to be taken to the killing shack for helping 47 escape from the clutches of Mr. Stewart. Plus, 47 is not supposed to be in the house because he is just a lowly field slave. That's why Mama Flore closed the door on him. --RP

What kind of influence do you think 47 has? He has the influence of a little boy not becoming a big boy. He has had the easy life before he was forced to work in the field. He was before a child slave.-FB

What kind of life do you think Pritchard had? He has had a hard life. He has always been jealous of 47 like other slaves of him having the easy life in work.-FB


 * __Summary-__** In the first chapter of the book we learn about 47's setting on the plantation he lives on. 47 tells who Big Flore became his mother. The plantation master's daughter caught 47 hiding from her so she threatened him by saying he could be given to Mr. Stewart the overseer. In the second chapter Mr. Stewart comes and takes 47 away from the barn to go and work in the fields. 47 fights back and escapes a few times.

__**Ch. 3-5**__ What was the symbolism of the Ravens at Ned's funeral on p. 40? It symbolized death and the sorrow at the funeral and changed the setting of the book. Also the ravens left when Pike arrived and that symbolized the human aspect leaving the area. The ravens also showed how white people didn't care for the slaves of others.--Nishad A.

Why does 47 keep dreaming or thinking about being free and revolting? He is still a child and still has dreams like any other child in the world who dreams of things he doesn't have. Since he is a slave he dreams of freedom, because he doesn't want to grown up his whole life as a slave. He doesn't like any white people, because they have put all the people he knows into slavery.--Nishad A.

When 47 ran away from Big Mama, do you think that he will ever forgive her? why or why not? I think that 47 resents Big Mama for not letting him in the house. He will probably forgive her eventually because deep down inside of him he knows he loves her and cannot stay mad at her. Also, 47 should know that Mr. Stewart would not have been stopped by a mere door. --Joey J

If you were to meet a kid such as Tall John, would you follow him? Believe him? I think that if you were a slave kid on a plantation, you would want to believe almost anything you can. You want to have hope that there is a better life. You might as well believe in something because there is nothing to lose. --Joey J

On page 29, why does Champ get to meet with slave women all over the country? He gets to do that because he is the strongest male and thus, he is allowed to reproduce with other women. This relates to what was said earlier in the book when the author explains how only the strongest males or females reproduce. Otherwise, other slaves can not have babies.--RP

On page 39, do you think it was appropriate for Master Tobias to give the eulogy at Ned's funeral, wouldn't Mud Albert be a much better candidate for doing this? Yes, Mud would have given a much more respectful and appropriate eulogy at Ned's funeral than did Tobias. Mud would not have stoppped in the middle to talk to someone else. But, he would not have been allowed to do so because he's a slave.--RP

Why was Tall John relieved to see 47? Tall John might have been excited to meet 47 because he was trying to get out of becoming a slave again for someone who was trying to escape slavery. He might also been relieved to see him because he was family.-FB Why do you think that 47 had trust in Tall John? 47 had trust in him because he had spoken with suck confidence. He also followed him because John made 47 feel special.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 3 we see 47 get hurt from all the work that he is doing picking cotton and gets branded harshly. In the fourth chapter we see 47 getting a new job doing errands for the field slaves. One of the slaves called Ned died because of a freak accident that crippled him. In the 5th chapter we meet a character called John who says he has been looking for 47 forever.

__**Ch. 6-7**__ What do you think John means when he says he's known 47 before he was born? He knew about him because he's been alive for a very long time and somehow he learned about 47. He obviously had some prior knowledge that we do not learn until the end of the book. He also has been searching for him and has probably learned more along the way.--Nishad A.

What is the sleep machine? Is it just an imaginative thing or real? It's real and it makes everyone got to sleep except John and 47 because they are special. It is in John's yellow sack and is one of the many magical things that he carries. It is real because it actually works and they do what they want to successfully.--Nishad A.

When Tall John says that only your mind is yours, what do you think he is trying to say? I think that John means that your mind is the only thing that you really control. Nothing is as significant to you as your mind is because it holds all of your thoughts and information. It is your mind and no one can take that from you. --Joey J

How did Tall John play with the vicious dogs, and then speak to them? Tall John must have some secret power. This power must allow him to talk to animals. That is how he was allowed to talk to the dogs because he probably talked to them and told them they mean them no harm. --Joey J

On page 55, Since Tall John has been a part of multiple plantations, why is it that past owners have not said anything about past brandings, and if he was never branded, how has he been able to keep from being branded? He woos all the owners with his words so he is never branded. Also, he makes the owners believe he is special so that they never brand him. Lastly, he probably escapes before they have the chance to brand him.--RP

On page 61, How is it possible that Tall John knew 47 before he was born, and what does he mean by how 47 will soon be doing his (John's) job? Tall John has been searching for 47 for many years and maybe he can look into the future. 47 may be his apprentice as well. But, at this time in the book we still do not know what "job" John refers to.--RP

Why do you think Master Tobias want to brand Tall John? Tobias didn't want to brand John because he wasn't sure if he wanted to be associated with the slave.-FB Why does the author put the scene John comparing people and explaining why he used Tall John in his name? He does this to show that they are all alike even if they are all different.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In the sixth chapter 47 gets caught for taking to the escaped slave and gets his Master, Tobias Turner, another slave. When they got back to the plantation everyone wondered at how John spoke with so much confidence. John also heals 47 with some magical tubes that are cold to the touch. In the end 47 goes to some far off world. In chapter 7 John explains why he knew 47's name before they met.

__**Ch. 8-9**__ Why is Tall John so nice to 84 and why does he give her a nickname? He thinks that she is beautiful and that everyone should deserve the praise for the work they have done. He sees that no one else on the plantation is nice to here so he shows her what she deserves. He also is just a naturally nice person that doesn't try to be mean to anyone.--Nishad A.

Why does Tall John get emotional by the hanging tree? So many people have died there already and he feels there sorrow inside of him. He knows that people didn't deserve to die. He realizes how bad slavery and these plantations really are and that they need to end.--Nishad A.

Why do you think that Tall John is so nice to 84? No one knows it but John but 84 has a unique inner beauty that John really likes. It may be how hard she works or how compassionate she can be at times. You just have to get to know her and then you will see the true side of 84. --Joey J

What do you think it means when Tall John says 47 is destined? He is destined to save the universe. He is the chosen one and will lead the universe to a victory against wall. He has the key to winning a war that has not yet begun. --Joey J

On page 81, What is the purpose of John flirting with Tweenie? John merely likes her a lot. That's the only reason why he is nice to 84. Tweenie has lightened up to John but not yet to 47.--RP

On page 83, What does number 8 mean by "My mam was the hanging tree"? He says that because his mom was hanged. He never says why his mom was hanged though. But, why does all the other slaves laugh at this remark?--RP

Do you think there was another meaning to John taking 84's cotton bag? I think that John just really liked 84 so he was being a gentleman by carrying her bag. He also liked to work.-FB Why would Tall John say that 47 is the conqueror so quickly before knowing him more? John has been looking for 47 for thousands of years all over the world so he could guide 47 and help him when he needed help.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In the eighth chapter 47 shows John around to the plantation and we learn the daily life of a slave on that plantation. John sees 84 and starts to talk with her and make her a happy person. John carries the sack that has all cotton being picked by a person.They together pick several bags. John says that 47 is destined to be the conqueror of mankind. In the ninth chapter 84 talks about her childern who were sold off to other masters. John acts funny when he passes a tree called the hangin' tree.

__**Ch. 10-11**__ Why is 47 so interested in the ants on page 98? He is comparing the ants to his life and how hard they work and what the achieve from the things they do. Another reason he is looking at the ants is that he has seen them before and right now he is bored so he thinks back on his life. The ants are the furious workers and relate to the slaves.--Nishad A.

One page 101, 47 says, "Eloise was a beautiful child, that's for sure. And I learned later that she was a good person too." Make a prediction about this. She's going to go and save their lives later. 47 also recalls the time when she caught him spying on her and she gave him a cookie. This makes him think that all white people are not bad, even though he is in love with her.--Nishad A.

Why does 47 have to have that name, why doesn't John give him a proper one? 47 is his real name. That is the name that John will always refer to him by and it shall not be changed. Also, it may sound like a number to us, but to him it is a name. --Joey J

On page 100, what do you think John means when he says, "We've been curing diseases for longer than we can remember"? John and his people have been around for many years. They probably have been studying medicines and herbs throughout and have figured out many cures. They been studying medicines for so long that they themselves cannot remember. --Joey J

On page 91, Why is John going with 47 to Tobias' house? To save Eloise from her illness. Also, John is taking 47 with him to teach 47 how to cure someone's ailment. That's why John is going with 47 to the master's house.--RP

On page 96, What is 47 destined to do? He is destined to save the world/universe. Or, help release the slaves. John also talks about how 47 is going to defeat Wall.--RP

What do you think 47 was thinking when John said that he could hear the blood in 47's body? He was thinking what in the earth is wrong with this guy. "Is he an alien?"-FB Why do you think Tobias trusts Fred Chocolate so much? He trusts Fred so much because he is not like the rest of the slaves who are mean and fierce. Fred is literate and is well mannered.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 10 John tells 47 that he isn't a slave or a master to other people. He says he can decide if he is a slave or a master or neither. In chapter 11 47 and John head to the master's house so that John can examine the master's daughter's illness.

Why does Tall John understand the whole human body except the human heart? Because it is a very complex organ. He also probably hasn't felt the emotions that a human relates to the heart. These emotions would be love, pain, sorrow and things that normal humans feel but he is not normal.--Nishad A.
 * __Ch. 12-14__**

Why do you think Tall John brings 47 with him to cure Eloise? He wants and needs to teach 47 his ways of curing so that he can continue after John dies. This is one of the first opportunities that he receives. He also probably wanted someone with him in case Tobias attacked him and didn't let him save his daughter.--Nishad A.

Throughout chapter 13, Tall John's appearance is slowly changing, why is this? He is slowly changing throughout the chapter from his height to the color of his skin. This is changing because John and 47 are back on John's hometown. This is what John looks like when he is at his home. --Joey J

If you were in the shoes of 47, would you run north or go back to the plantation? This would be a hard choice but I would go back to save Eloise. The reason is that 47 loves her and it would break his heart if she were to die and he knew he could have prevented it. Also, he may receive much praise for such an accomplishment. --Joey J

One page 104, Why is it that John likes to run in zig-zags whenever he enters the forest? He uses the sun for energy and he uses that energy to run fast. Sometimes, John is in a hurry which is why the does that. Also, its just a coincidence that he runs fast when he enters the forest.--RP

On page 107, Is the battle that John says 47 will lead the battle for the freedom of slaves? That and saving the world/universe. The battle will be against Wall. That is the battle that John says 47 will lead.--RP

Do you think 47 and John could save Eloise from dying and get praised highly? I think that they can save Eloise from dying but they won't be able to be praised highly for their deed because they touched a white girl. How does 47 feel of this world he is seeing in his dream?-FB He is amazed on how there are different people around him. He is also scared on the animals that come from ricks and attack him. Why does Master Tobias knock 47 and John out?-FB He knocks them out because he didn't like seeing his girl getting touched by slaves.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 12 47 and John ran away from the plantation in search of the herbs to heal Eloise. In chapter 13 47 gets transported to a different world where he gets his role in the story understood. In chapter 14 47 and John run to get the herbs John needs to heal Eloise. Tobias did not like seeing his slaves in the same room as his daughter. Tobias crack and starts to hit John for touching his girl.

__**Ch. 15-16**__ Why did slaves believe that it was a theft when they ran away? The felt that they were property and since they were stealing themselves from the plantation and their owners it was theft. They were not in charge of themselves and the slave owners were but they did have control of what they did. The slaves were also and investment made by the slave owners and the slaves wanted to take it away from them.--Nishad A.

Why do you think the author made the sun setting correspond with John falling asleep? He was trying to signify that Tall John might die and that 47 has to move on with another day in his life. He also wanted to show that John's energy level was weak so he was going to fall asleep when it was night. It is an interesting way to pass time in a dream.--Nishad A.

Do you think it was smart of 47 to go back to save John in the killin' shack, or will he just get more punishments? He will definitely receive more punishments because he is breaking the rules. He is not allowed to leave the cabin and yet he goes and saves John. Also, he was driven to this because he wanted to save his best friend. --Joey J

Now that you know what the decision of fleeing or coming back to the plantation, what would you do? I think that I would still come back. The reason is that 47 saved a girls life and that seems like the right thing to do. Also, John would have a plan to escape using one of his devices. ---Joey J

On page 140, How long does Mr.Stewart keep slaves in the tomb? He makes them spend the night in the tomb. Either that, or he keeps them in for as long as he wants. But, 47 and John escape in the middle of the night.--RP

On page 154, Is Mama Flore dead or just knocked out? She is knocked out. But in very bad condition at the moment. Later in the book 47 and John will come back to save her. --RP

How do you think 47 feels about what he is seeing? What he is seeing is something no one wanted to see, crazy animals running, and flying all over the place.-FB

Summary- In chapter 15 John and 47 are in the tomb fro escaping and talking back to the Master. 47 saves John's life. In chapter 16 Mr. Stewart has John in his shack killing the slave. 84 and 47 attack Mr. Stewart to help free John.-FB __**Ch. 17-18**__ How would you feel once you learned that you would always remain the same age forever? I would feel kind of bummed out because you can't experience the rest of life, but in 47's situation I would also be very confused because everything is happening so fast. The advantages would be however that you would never die of old age so you might feel happy about that. When 47 realizes this he probably learns that with power comes responsibility.--Nishad A.

Why does 47 believe that the N-word is his enemy on p. 173? Because he gained John's knowledge and felt his emotions and realized that the word is very de-humanizing to slaves. He understands what John was saying when he said, "Neither Nr nor master be,". He believes it means that if there is no master then there is no slave.--Nishad A.

When you heard that 47 was going to die, did you think he was actually going to or become the new man he is? I thought that he was going to die, but not right at the moment. I thought John meant eventually because almost everyone passes away at some point. When I found out he was going to become a new man it made more sense because why would John allow such an act to take place. --Joey J

What happened when the creature wrapped itself around 47 and gave him the sensation? John's powers were transferred to 47 so he is now a new man. Though, John still has his powers, but I believe that creature taught 47 some of John's powers. Also, 47 must use his powers and wisdom for good because mankind depends on it. --Joey J

On page 168, Why does John say that 47 is dying, then say that he's going to die, just not today? Maybe because he is dying, but John is going to save him. Although, he did give 47 an unnecessary fright. He is about to do a ritual on 47.-RP

On page 169, Is it true that John already told 84 about all of his power and where he comes from because she helps him with his power-transfer rituals? She still does not know. But she loves John, so she does what he tells her to do. She will probably find out later in the book.--RP

Do you think 47 and John will ever tell 84 about his magic? I think that eventually 84 will tell her about magic and what's his reason for being on Earth.-FB How does 84 feel about 47 growing and growing intellectual? I think that 84 doesn't care that 47 has become smarter or taller. She has her mind set onto John.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 17 47 wakes up to see a light that is lit in the woods. They are protected from being caught by some light.In chapter 18 John scares 47 by saying that he is dying. John combines his intelligence with 47.

__**Ch. 19-20**__ Why do you think that 47 is so nervous with his new powers on p. 174? He doesn't trust himself because everything in his life is now suddenly occurring so fast. He knows the meaning of the words that he didn't know yesterday. That's not normal.--Nishad A.

What do you think of Mr. Stewart's wrought iron eye patch? It signifies that he has become on of Wall's agents and that he is no longer human and that he has already died. The author tried to describe it to maybe also show that it made the slaves fear Mr. Stewart even more now than before. There also may be more symbolism relating to the eye patch later in the story or the next book.--Nishad A.

How do you think that 47 could run so fast away from Mr. Stewart? I think that 47 had such a great will which propelled him to get his legs into gear. Also, some of the powers John gave him may have helped his speed increase. 47 also knew that if he died, the world would not have a chance against Wall. --Joey J

What did you think it means when the story says Mr. Stewart's eye patch is made of iron? I think that it means that Mr. Stewart is a new man. He may be working for someone because it would be hard to afford an iron eye patch. Also, I think that it is a symbol of evil because an iron eye patch sounds menacing. --Joey J

On page 178, Did Mr.Stewart come back to life or did he just survive the blow from 84? Wall's agents entered his body and brought him back to life. Which is why he also has very amazing powers. Its also possible that he was just knocked out as well.--RP On page 179, How could Mr.Stewart jump in the air and attack 47, is it possible that Wall took control of his body? No, Wall did not take control of his body. But maybe one of his minions/agents did. So that's why he has those powers.--RP

How does 47 feel when he leaves his "mama" at the plantation? He tries as hard as he can but he does not succeed at getting his mother up. He feels sad because he wasn't able to help his mom.-FB How did you react if you were a slave being woken up by Champ? I would run for my life because I would be hearing mean grunting and dying when they attacked each other.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 19 47 goes back to save his "mom" from dying and tries to save as many slaves as he can from a barn fire. 47 is able to save Eloise. In chapter 20 John tries to wake up everyone that they can.

__**Ch. 21-24**__ What was the climax of the story? The climax is when John arrives on the Corinthian Plantation. It changes 47 and the rest of the Corinthian Plantation's life forever. Interestingly enough, this occurs on p.47.--Nishad A.

Make a prediction about the next book by the author. 47 would battle Wall after receiving knowledge from John and it would create a very interesting situation. This would occur because 47 might or might not be ready to fight Wall so we could not provide an accurate guess to what would happen. I think the sequel wouldn't be better though unless it didn't leave a cliff hanger, because then I think the story would be too long.--Nishad A.

When 47 and the grils arrived at the tree, did you believe everyone was going to the there? I knew that just about everyone was going to be there. Though, I was worried about John a little bit. I thought that John was not going to be there because earlier he said in an ominous voice, " Meet at the Hanging Tree". I thought it may have been some kind of foreshadowing. --Joey J

Why do you think 47 said to Mama Flore that they were free so quickly? The first reason was that their master was dead and no one ruled them. Second, Eloise was not going to interfere with their freedom by telling the white men where they were. She became somewhat of an abolitionist because she freed slaves from their chains. --Joey J

On page 194, When Nola threw a rock against Mr.Stewart's head, why did a metallic sound ring though his skull, is it possible that Wall released him?No, Wall's agent did not release him, but that does show that he has a weakness.--RP On page 203, What were Eloise and John talking about under the tree before Eloise fell asleep?John was putting a spell on her so that she believes that slaves should be free.--RP

What do you think drives 47 back to the plantation? He wants to save the girls from the fire.-FB Can 47 actually talk to animals by his minds convincing them that he is their friend? I think so because he was able to stop the hounds from attacking him and to get the mule to go faster when he was escaping from the plantation.-FB

__**Summary-**__ In chapter 21 there are fights going on all around John, 47, and Champ as they are trying to escape. 47 attacks Mr. Stewart so that he won't attack the cart. In chapter 22 they flee to a cliff chasing after Wall. There were many people who were trying to stop the slaves from escaping but 47 and John were able to hold them off. In chapter 23 everybody falls asleep from drink a water that John gave them. Eloise goes home after she gets better. In chapter 24 47and John fight against Pike And wall trying to beat each other to get a machine that can get an all powerful dust. __**Ch. 25**__ What did Canada symbolize to slaves in the south? Many slaves probably did not know what Canada was but they might have guessed that since it was north it would symbolize freedom just as 47 learned. I think that the slaves knew some basic information about freedom, but they never thought about life as a free person or what it would look like. It might have also just symbolized a place of no meaning to others, because they relied on their masters for food and shelter.--Nishad A.

Why do you think the author added the Bitter Lee section to the story? He wanted to show that slaves made it to freedom, but their struggle to get there cost them their life. He also needed a reason for Eloise to head back to the plantation and for the rest of them to know about her and the rest of the people there. The power of Stewart's people and war also needed to be shown along with it's effects.--Nishad A.

How does 47 help N'Clect and how does N'Clect help 47? N'Clect helps 47 because he tells him how to use the yellow bag. 47 helps N'Clect because he tells him of the adventures they will have. He also tells him some important information about his future such as his death, but N'Clect insists he does not want to know. --Joey J

If you were 47's friends, would you believe him and take the treacherous journey to Canada? I would because 47 is the chosen one. He is the one destined to save the universe and that seems like a justified point to me. Also, where else are you going to go? --Joey J

On page 222, When John says that he will still help 47 kill Wall in the future, will he do that as a thought in 47's mind? Almost, he will help 47 through his people's crystal ball that can answer any question.--RP

On page 227, If John's real name is N'Clect then why doesn't he remember himself as Tall John on Earth? He doesn't remember because right now he is in the past talking to 47 who is in the future from N'Clect's point of view. So, he hasn't played the role of Tall John yet in his life.--RP

Do you think Eloise has become an abolitionist? Yes, she has become an abolitionist because she saved and freed slaves when she left the group going to her house.-FB

__**Summary**__- In this chapter John becomes conscious again, tells 47 something and dies. 47 meets another John who is The previous John.