IMPORTANT: Comprehension questions will be in chronological order as you read through the story. Page numbers are approximate, and will vary with different editions of the book.
Section 1: Chapters 1 – 2
Vocabulary
bare: not clothed or covered
circulation:the public availability of knowledge or books
discard: to get rid of something no longer of use
frail: weak or delicate
gigantic: huge or enormous
pavement: the hard surface of a road or street
Vocabulary Usage in the Book
The yard was nothing more than bare, red dirt, and as they chased the ball they kicked up clouds of dust behind them.(Chapter 1, pg. 9)
She sat down at the circulation desk and pulled out a box. (Chapter 2, pg. 14)
“… I knew they needed to be discarded, but I could not bring myself to do it.” (Chapter 2, pg. 16)
“His grandfather was a kind man, but he was very old, and he became too frail to care for his young grandson.” (Chapter 1, pg. 3)
“That country was really easy to find – it was gigantic.” (Chapter 2, pg. 20)
“Oh no, they were on pavement, and the skates had wheels, but they were still playing hockey…”(Chapter 2, pg. 22)
Vocabulary Sentences
The Titanic was a gigantic ocean liner.
The frail old lady hobbled across the road.
In the fall many trees lose their leaves and are bare.
Zoe had a book on hold at the circulation desk at the city library.
Taylor was asked to look through the bunch of grapes and discard those that had gone bad.
The road was closed off to repair the pavement that had been broken by large tree roots.
Comprehension Questions
Many students at the school who have parents are not given breakfast before school, but Nigosi and Kitoo are lucky because at the orphanage they were always served breakfast. (Chapter 1, pg. 2)
Nigosi thinks Kitoo is a dreamer. (Chapter 1, pg. 7)
Every lunchtime Kitoo goes to the library to help Mrs. Kyatha, and Nigosi plays football. (Chapter 1, pg. 11)
Kitoo has read every book that is in the library. (Chapter 2, pg 13)
The book Sports Around the World, looks promising to Kitoo. (Chapter 2, pg. 19)
Kitoo has never tasted ice cream. (Chapter 2, pg. 21)
The sport that sparks Kitoo’s interest is ice hockey. (Chapter 2, pgs. 21 – 22)
Section 2: Chapters 3 – 5
Vocabulary
barrel: to move in a manner that is fast, almost out of control
depress: to push or pull something down into a lower position
locker: a small lockable chest or closet
mechanic: a person who repairs and maintains machinery
reluctant: unwilling or hesitant
samosa: a triangular savory pastry containing spiced meat or vegetables
Vocabulary Usage in the Book
The brightly painted bus barreled past them. (Chapter 3, pg. 30)
He depressed the clutch, and Nigosi put the truck into the next gear. (Chapter 3, pg. 29)
He carefully put it away with his other two books in the locker at the foot of his bed. (Chapter 3, pg. 25)
Jackson was a good mechanic and was also handy at fixing things around the orphanage. (Chapter 3, pg. 28)
Kitto reluctantly nodded. (Chapter 5, pg. 44)
It was well-known for having the best samosas in the whole area, and Jackson offered to buy some for Kitoo and Nigosi to thank them for their work. (Chapter 4, pgs. 35 – 36)
Vocabulary Sentences
Grayson had to depress the button to shut the elevator doors.
The teacher asked the students not barrel down the hallways as it was unsafe.
Jamal put his school clothes into the locker while he played basketball.
Mom’s car engine overheated so it had to be repaired by a mechanic.
Ben was reluctant to open his mouth so that the dentist could check his teeth.
I decided to order samosas at the Indian restaurant.
Comprehension Questions
The personal belongings that Kitoo has in his locker are his clothes, two pairs of shoes, two broken metal toy cars, and three books. (Chapter 3, pg. 26)
When Nigosi grows up he hopes to become a “pilot,” driver like Jackson. (Chapter 3, pg. 28)
As the boys drive along the dirt roads become paved, a sign they are getting close to the city. (Chapter 3, pg. 32)
Although the boys want samosas they decide to spend their ten-shilling note to pay for admittance to the park. (Chapter 4, pg. 39)
Nigosi’s friendship with Kitoo is more important than samosas. (Chapter 4, pg. 39)
When Kitoo bumps into the trash bin he finds a rollerblade. (Chapter 5, pg 45)
By the end of the day in the Peoples Park, Kitoo has acquired a ten-shilling note, two old sets of rollerblade boots, and six wheels. (Chapter 5, pg. 48)
Section 3: Chapters 6 – 7
Vocabulary
concern: to worry, be anxious
concrete: a building material made of gravel, sand, cement & water
confused: unable to think clearly
disappointed: fail to fulfill the hopes or expectations of someone
faith: complete trust or confidence in someone or something
shuffle: to walk by dragging one’s feet
Vocabulary Usage in the Book
Kitoo still felt concerned. (Chapter 7, pg. 69)
“You know, if I lived there I could skate on ice instead of on this concrete floor.” (Chapter 6, pg. 57)
“Sometimes you just need enough faith,” Nigosi said. (Chapter 6, pg. 60)
They shuffled over on the seat, and she climbed in. (Chapter 7, pg. 64)
Vocabulary Sentences
The young boy and his dad had faith that their favorite football team would win the Superbowl.
Julie was concerned she wouldn’t get the role she wanted in the school play after forgetting her lines at the audition.
The children were deepley disappointed when the pizza did not arrive at lunch time.
The playground’s grass was torn up and concrete poured to make a four-square to play on.
The tourist was very confused as all of the signs on the street were written in French.
Whenever Thomas got into trouble he would shuffle off to his room, his head hanging in shame.
Comprehension Questions
Kitoo skates in the dining hall as it is the only paved surface in the orphanage. (Chapter 6, pg. 50)
Kitoo thinks he will never skate on ice as any country that has ice is very far away. (Chapter 6, pg. 57)
Nigosi says that Kitoo needs to have faith that he will see ice. (Chapter 6, pg. 60)
Kitoo uses pads made of rags and a field-hockey stick as an ice-hockey stick. (Chapter 7, pg. 61)
Sarah confuses the boys by giving them sweaters to take with them on a hot day. (Chapter 7, pg. 62)
Kitoo plans to spend his ten-shilling note on a Ferris wheel ticket for Nigosi. (Chapter 7, pg. 67)
Jackson and Mrs. Kyatha are taking the boys to Nairobi to a place where many people go to play ice hockey. (Chapter 7, pg. 68)
Section 4: Chapters 8 – 9
Vocabulary
exhale: to breathe out
fancy: highly decorative, elaborate
gesture: a movement of a body part, often the hand, to express an idea
hesitate: to pause before saying or doing something
skid: to slide sideways as a result of stopping or turning too quickly
tracksuit: a loose set of clothing consisting of pants and a sweatshirt
Vocabulary Usage in the Book
Kitoo exhaled, and his breath came out like smoke.(Chapter 9, pg.84)
Around them, fancy cars were parked in the long curving driveway. (Chapter 8, pg. 72)
The man opened the door and gestured for them to go inside. (Chapter 8, pg. 74)
Kitoo hesitated, and Nigosi took him by the arm and led him to the bench.” (Chapter 8, pg. 76)
It shot along the ice and skidded into the corner of the net.” (Chapter 9, pgs. 90 – 91)
He was wearing a tracksuit that was green, black and red, the colors of the Kenyan flag, and he was holding a small bag and a hockey stick.” (Chapter 8, pg. 75)
Vocabulary Sentences
Olympic athletes wear an official tracksuit when competing for their country.
The girls were excited to wear a fancy gown to the dance.
The car skidded around the corner and almost hit a post.
A handshake is gesture of politeness, friendship and agreement.
When doing a yoga move you must breathe deeply and then exhale.
The teacher said, “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Comprehension Questions
Kitoo and Nigosi find the six lanes of traffic, the amount of stores, shops, factories, and tall buildings of Nairobi amazing. (Chapter 8, pg.s. 70 – 71)
Jackson goes to buy supplies, but drops Kitoo, Nigosi and Mrs. Kyatha at the hotel as that is a place where people skate. (Chapter 8, pg. 72)
Nigosi answers Kitoo’s question about there not being other players by telling him the man wants to see how he skates. (Chapter 8, pg. 77)
When Mr. Mohammed asks Kitoo to stop skating, Kitoo thinks it is because he is not a good enough skater. (Chapter 8, pg. 81)
Mr. Mohammed tells the boys that the ice rink is the only ice rink in East Africa. (Chapter 9, pg. 84)
Kitoo feels there is no dream that is too big. (Chapter 9, pg. 6)
When Kitoo plays hockey against the men he manages to score a goal against them. (Chapter 9, pgs. 90 – 91)
