Student Comprehensive Questions

Questions for Goodbye, America
(Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy)

CHAPTER 1 Baba’s Thanksgiving Tradition
The author introduces you to the main character,
Anna, and her two great granddaughters Morgan and
Madison. Complete a Venn diagram with these character
descriptors: intuitive, reminiscent, lovable, thankful, reflective, observant, impulsive, grateful, animated, and
spontaneous. (Comprehension, Analysis)

CHAPTER 2 America, 1918
Anna’s father, Karl, convinced hiswife to leave their
family and homeland. State at least six reasons explaining
why he wanted to uproot his wife and children to move to
America. (Comprehension)

CHAPTER 3 Goodbye Deddo and America
Mommo screamed, “Why can’t God take you,
Anna, instead of your father?” How did these words influence Anna? How did this very young child try to solve the problem? What would make Mommo say such a horrible
thing to her child? (Evaluation)

CHAPTER 4 Journey to Another Land
Every family has a story…a personal history. Anna
retells part of that history every Thanksgiving to her great
granddaughters. What six questions would you ask of
your great-grandparents to identify parts of your family’s
history? (Application)

CHAPTER 5 The Homecoming
Imagine leaving your friends and having to live in a foreign country.What treasures would you take? You must carry whatever you pack in a pillowcase. (Analysis, Evaluation)

CHAPTER 6 Life in Czechoslovakia
The Europeans believed that “the streets were lined
with gold” in America. Can you elaborate on the reasons
for such a belief? (Synthesis)

CHAPTER 7 Goodbye Mommo
Describe the relationship between Anna and her sister
Mary. Use facts from the story to prove your answers.
(Synthesis)
Assess the value or the importance of Mary to her
sister Anna. Use proof from the story to prove your answer.
(Evaluation)
“That night Anna had a dream that she would
dream repeatedly in years to come.” Based on information
you have from the story, predict that dream. (Synthesis)

CHAPTER 8 Czechoslovakia 1920-1924
Every family has its own heritage or history. This
story is part of Anna’s family history. Tell a short story
that you’ve heard throughout the years from your parents
or grandparents. (Knowledge)

CHAPTER 9 Missing Mary
Nana tells Anna “The best way to forget about your
unhappiness is to give to others who need you.” Explain
this. (Comprehension)
Papa sings a song to Anna which teaches her how to
live. What is his motive or reason for teaching her the
song? (Analysis)

CHAPTER 10 The Snake
What do you think could be the theme of this chapter?
(Analysis)
Describe the relationship between Nana and Anna.
(Analysis)
After reading this chapter, assess the value and importance
of inner strength. (Evaluation)

CHAPTER 11 The Funeral
Often there are words of advice written on tombstones
about the deceased. What words do you think Nana
would have wanted inscribed on her tombstone? (Evaluation)

CHAPTER 12 The Long Trip Home
The theme of Goodbye, America is revealed in this
chapter. Identify and explain it. (Analysis)

CHAPTER 13 Hello, America
Why was it better that Stryk John accompany Anna
and Julia to America instead of a nurse? Use proof from
the story to defend your answer. (Evaluation)
How did Anna react to the plan that Otec and
Mommo had for the girls return trip to America with Stryk
John? How would you have reacted? Explain your reaction.
(Analysis)

CHAPTER 14 Epilogue
Every American alive today can trace their ancestry
back to an immigrant that came to America from another
country. Today immigrants are still arriving in America.
Why do they leave their families and homeland to
come here? (Knowledge)