Raymond’s Run By: Toni Cade Bambara

Meet the Author Toni Cade Bambara “I write because I really think I’ve got hold of something, that if I share it, …might lift someone’s spirits, or enable someone to see more clearly.”

-Born 1939 -writing presents a rich portrayal of African-American life -works show unfair treatment of women and minorities -was a professor and civil rights activist -wrote a novel, short stories, essays , and screenplay -Died in 1995

Summary “Raymond’s Run” is a short story about a young African-American girl who prides herself on being the fastest runner in the neighborhood.

Setting Harlem, NY

Vocabulary

liable (adj.) A person who is afraid of spiders is liable to scream at the sight of a tarantula.

liable (adj.) likely; apt

sidekicks (n.) The magician’s sidekicks are always on stage.

sidekicks (n.) close friends or companions

reputation (n.) A reputation for kindness can take a lifetime of good deeds to build.

reputation (n.) what people generally think about the character of a person or thing

static (n.) Static crackles as you try to tune in to a radio station with a weak signal.

static (n.) crackling or hissing sounds that interrupt normal sounds, such as those from a microphone

Quickwrite In the story, “Raymond’s Run”, the main character is nicknamed Squeaky. Think about how a nickname can sum up a person in a word or two. 1. Write a list of nicknames of people you know or even of you and explain how the nickname relates to the person. 2. If you could give yourself a nickname that best sums up you, what would it be?

Comprehension Questions

Who is the protagonist of the story?

Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker “Squeaky”

Who are the antagonists?

Raymond Gretchen Rosie (big mouth), and Mary Louise (used to be Squeaky’s friend)

What is the setting?

Harlem, NY

Why does Squeaky take care of her big brother, Raymond?

Squeaky says, “he’s not quite right Squeaky says, “he’s not quite right.” He may have been born with hydrocephalus – fluid trapped around the brain.

How does Squeaky handle kids who make fun of Raymond?

She uses her fists.

Why is Squeaky nicknamed “Squeaky”?

squeaky voice

Why does Squeaky compare herself to Mercury?

swiftest thing in the neighborhood

What 3 reasons does Squeaky give for why Gretchen won’t be able to beat her?

1. Short legs 2. Freckles 3. No one can beat Squeaky

Why does Raymond have to run on the inside?

He’ll run in traffic.

Why is Squeaky bothered by Cynthia Proctor?

She acts like she never practices.

What does Mr. Pearson hint at to Squeaky?

She should purposely lose.

What does Squeaky notice along side of the fence as she’s running?

Raymond running like he’s in the race

Why is Squeaky most excited when the race is over?

Raymond is a runner!

What gesture do Gretchen and Squeaky make at the end of the race?

Gretchen nods to congratulate and they both smile.

Additional Quiz Review Questions

How does Squeaky feel about her nickname?

Squeaky doesn’t like her nickname Squeaky doesn’t like her nickname. She would rather be called Quicksilver or Mercury, something related to being fast.

Who is the one person who can beat Squeaky running with his hands in his pockets and whistling?

Squeaky’s dad (but she still considers herself the fastest since he is thirty-five years old and she’s a kid)

Why is the story entitled “Raymond’s Run”?

It is the first time Squeaky saw Raymond as a runner and realized he was capable of more than she had ever thought.

What does Squeaky mean when she says girls rarely give each other a real smile?

Squeaky believes girls put on an act and don’t communicate their real problems.

How does Squeaky see Gretchen differently by the end of the story?

She respects her as a runner and thinks Gretchen may be able to help her coach Raymond.

How does Squeaky see herself by the end of the story?

She realizes she was capable of so much more than she ever thought and she was also able to see other people differently. (i.e. Raymond and Gretchen)

Vocabulary

What people generally think about the character of a person or thing; good name

reputation

likely; apt

liable

crackling or hissing sounds that interrupt normal sounds, such as those from a microphone

static

close friends or companions

sidekicks