Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What tragic event has happened prior to the opening of the book?

2. How does Doaa find the will to survive?

3. Why is Doaa afraid of water?

4. What agricultural factor drives the conflict in Syria in 2007?

5. Why does Shokri’s family encourage Doaa’s father to remarry?

6. Where does Doaa’s family traditionally go on Mother’s Day?

7. After escaping the protestors on Mother’s Day, where does Doaa go to see everything that is happening in the conflict?

8. Why does the Syrian government lay siege on Daraa?

9. What is the Free Syrian Army?

10. What does Shokri decide to do with his family at the conclusion of Chapter 3?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why do people have hope for the succession of Bashar al-Assad to Syrian leadership?

2. Why was Bashar’s father considered oppressive by Doaa?

3. What events inspired Syrians to attempt to overthrow their government?

4. What actions do the police take against protesters?

5. Why does Shokri forbid his daughter from attending further protests?

Paired Resource

“The Drought That Preceded the War in Syria”

• This 12-minute video describes the drought that occurred prior to the Syrian Civil War.