Seedfolks Questions and Answers
Seedfolks
What does each character in Seedfolks plant in the garden?
In the book Seedfolks, each character plants something different in the garden that often reflects their backstory. Kim plants lima beans, while Leona plants golden rod, Sam plants pumpkins, Virgil...
Seedfolks
The origins of the characters in "Seedfolks"
The characters in "Seedfolks" originate from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of an urban neighborhood in Cleveland. Each character's unique heritage and personal...
Seedfolks
What four things does Nora compare the garden to in Seedfolks?
In Seedfolks, Nora compares the garden to a "second home," a "soap opera," a "miniature city," and a "mind-altering drug." These comparisons highlight the garden's emotional depth, its daily...
Seedfolks
What are three problems in the garden according to Sam in Seedfolks by Sam Fleischman?
According to Sam in Seedfolks, three main problems in the garden are lack of water, trash, and segregation. There is no irrigation system, so people must haul water themselves. Trash is being thrown...
Seedfolks
Character traits and role of Gonzalo in Seedfolks
Gonzalo in Seedfolks is characterized by his adaptability and sense of responsibility. He takes on a caretaker role for his family, particularly his uncle, and helps integrate his family into their...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, how does Virgil contribute to the growth of the garden?
In Seedfolks, Virgil contributes to the garden by helping his father clear trash and glass from the soil, preparing it for planting. They plant baby lettuce to sell to restaurants, and Virgil...
Seedfolks
Key facts and traits about Sam in Seedfolks
Sam in Seedfolks is an elderly Jewish man known for his optimism and community spirit. He enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and promoting harmony. Sam is deeply invested in the...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, what stereotypes does Amir have about Polish people and how does his attitude change upon meeting one?
Amir initially stereotypes Polish people as tough steelworkers and cabbage cooks, based on hearsay. His perception changes after meeting a Polish woman whose garden plot borders his. Through frequent...
Seedfolks
Who is Virgil in Seedfolks and what are his characteristic traits?
In "Seedfolks," Virgil is a young Haitian boy known for being helpful. He assists his father in growing gourmet lettuce, although his father is not directly featured. Virgil highlights the good deeds...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, what does Gonzalo's statement "the older you are, the younger you get when you move to the United...
Gonzalo's statement means that immigrants often feel like children again because they lack language skills and familiarity with their new environment. He illustrates this by describing how his father...
Seedfolks
What are some notable quotes from Ana in Seedfolks?
Notable quotes from Ana in Seedfolks reveal her as a keen observer of her neighborhood. She reflects on her long history there, saying, "I've seen history out this window. So much." Ana describes the...
Seedfolks
Why does Ana get involved in the garden in Seedfolks?
Ana gets involved in the garden because she suspects Kim, a young Vietnamese girl, might be burying something illicit, given her experience in the Parole department. Upon investigating, Ana discovers...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, how does Leona contribute to the garden's improvement?
Leona significantly improves the garden by tackling the overwhelming garbage problem in the vacant lot. Recognizing that traditional clean-up efforts would be insufficient, she persistently contacts...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, what does Sam mean by "the garden was turning back into Cleveland"?
Sam's statement about the garden "turning back into Cleveland" reflects his observation of human nature's tendency to divide and quarrel. Initially, the garden fostered unity and harmony among the...
Seedfolks
Why were Ana and Wendell important to each other in Seedfolks?
Ana and Wendell are important to each other because they provide mutual support in their neighborhood. Wendell helps Ana with daily tasks, easing her elderly struggles, while Ana distracts Wendell...
Seedfolks
Tio Juan's transformation and reclamation of his manhood in Seedfolks
Tio Juan's transformation in Seedfolks involves reclaiming his manhood by reconnecting with his agricultural roots. Initially depicted as disoriented and lost in a new environment, he gains a sense...
Seedfolks
What did Nora plant in the vacant lot in Seedfolks?
In Seedfolks, Nora brings a dozen seed packets with her to the vacant lot. From them, Mr. Myles chooses to plant hollyhocks, poppies, and snapdragons.
Seedfolks
How has Amir's character transformed since Curtis introduced him in Seedfolks?
Amir's character transforms from feeling isolated in his Cleveland neighborhood to becoming an integral part of the community in "Seedfolks." Initially detached, he connects with others through the...
Seedfolks
What literary devices are used in the Amir chapter of Seedfolks?
The author uses a metaphor and simile in this chapter. Amir compares the living conditions of people in each country he has been to by saying, "Here you have a million crabs living in a million...
Seedfolks
Curtis' Motivations in Seedfolks
In Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks, Curtis plants tomatoes to win back his ex-girlfriend, Lateesha, who ended their relationship due to his infidelity. Realizing his past mistakes, Curtis is now serious...
Seedfolks
Who is the character Kim in Seedfolks?
Kim in Seedfolks is a nine-year-old girl from Vietnam whose father died before she was born. She is the first to start planting in the vacant lot in which Seedfolks is set.
Seedfolks
What is Sam's role in the story "Seedfolks"?
Sam plays a pivotal role in "Seedfolks" by noticing and addressing the segregation within the community garden. He acts as a unifying force, engaging neighbors and fostering cooperation. Sam employs...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, how does a character change over the course of the novel?
Ana undergoes significant transformation. Initially, she suspects Kim of illicit activities when she plants seeds, reflecting her distrust and pessimism. However, as the story progresses, Ana...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, what connection is there between Sae Young's and Gonzalo's stories?
In "Seedfolks," Sae Young and Gonzalo's stories connect through their experiences with language and dependency. Both face challenges as immigrants; Sae Young struggles with isolation after her...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, why did Amir retell the story of the Polish concentration camp survivor?
Amir retells the story of the Polish concentration camp survivor to highlight the dangers of stereotypes and emphasize the importance of understanding individuals beyond generalizations. Despite...
Seedfolks
In Nora's chapter of Seedfolks, what plant does she choose to grow and why?
Nora, a nurse caring for Mr. Myles, facilitates his gardening by bringing a variety of vegetable and flower seeds. Mr. Myles selects snapdragons, poppies, and hollyhocks to plant. The story does not...
Seedfolks
What problem is Maricela facing in Seedfolks?
Maricela faces several challenges, including racial discrimination as a Mexican American teenager, which affects her community interactions. Her most significant issue is her pregnancy, leading to...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, what was Sam's occupation before retirement?
Before retiring, Sam worked as a political activist focused on promoting world peace. His roles included promoting world government, organizing pacifist conferences, fundraising, and administrative...
Seedfolks
Why does Nora visit the garden in Seedfolks?
Nora visits the garden to benefit her elderly client, Mr. Myles, who is fascinated by it. Mr. Myles, who suffered a severe stroke and cannot speak, finds joy and purpose in gardening. Nora notices...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, why couldn't Gonzalo's dad plant seeds?
In Seedfolks, Gonzalo's dad can't plant seeds because he doesn't speak English. One day, he comes across the janitor of his son's old school planting his little garden. He tries to tell him...
Seedfolks
Why does Virgil's father lie to Miss Fleck in Seedfolks?
Virgil's father lies to Miss Fleck because he doesn't want her to think that all the plots in his allotment are just for him. He tells her that they're for other members of his family, some of whom...
Seedfolks
Nora and Mr. Myles' Gardening Efforts in Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, Nora, Mr. Myles' caretaker, helps him engage with the community garden despite his wheelchair-bound status. She purchases a large plastic trash barrel, modifies it for drainage, fills...
Seedfolks
What are some journal prompts for the book Seedfolks?
Journal prompts for Seedfolks include exploring cultural influences on characters' motives, choosing a character to trade places with, and discussing cultural bias. Other prompts ask students to...
Seedfolks
What examples in Seedfolks highlight the importance of goldenrod?
There are a number of different examples in Seedfolks referring to the importance of goldenrod, a yellow perennial plant. First, it's the only medicine that Leona's granny believes that she ever...
Seedfolks
What does Florence mean by "Seedfolks"? Why did Fleischman choose this title?
In "Seedfolks," Florence refers to her great-grandparents, the first black family in their Colorado county, as "seedfolks," symbolizing pioneers who plant the seeds of a community. Paul Fleischman...
Seedfolks
What did Gonzales learn from watching Tio Juan work in the lot?
Gonzales learns to respect the men in his family again by observing Tio Juan work in the garden. Initially, Gonzales perceived Tio Juan as regressing due to the challenges of adapting to life in...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, when does the garden help Kim?
Kim is helped in the garden by her father, who is able to see and appreciate what she does.
Seedfolks
How old is Sae Young in Seedfolks?
Sae Young in Seedfolks is likely in her late 30s. Although her exact age isn't specified, it is inferred from her description that her husband died at age 37 a little over two years ago. Sae Young's...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, why is Kim sad and standing before her family altar?
Kim is sad and standing before her family altar because it is the anniversary of her father's death, whom she never knew. Her grief stems from the absence of memories and personal connections with...
Seedfolks
How does Leona use the garbage in Seedfolks to her advantage?
Leona uses the garbage to her advantage by taking it to the Public Health Department to force action. Frustrated by bureaucratic delays in cleaning up a lot, she brings a bag of foul-smelling trash...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, who is Wendell, what is his job, and how is he connected to the neighborhood?
Wendell, a former farmer from Kentucky, now works as a janitor in Cleveland. He is respected in the neighborhood for his agricultural expertise, which he willingly shares with others. His kindness...
Seedfolks
What steps does Leona take to clean up the vacant lot in Seedfolks?
Leona spends two frustrating days phoning various departments to ask them to help her clean up the lot. On the third day, she goes to the Public Health Department with a bag of garbage. It smells so...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, why was Amir critical of America?
Amir is critical of America due to its lack of neighborly connection, contrasting with the communal spirit of India. He feels American culture prioritizes privacy and individuality, leading to...
Seedfolks
In "Seedfolks," what does Leona mean by "you can't measure the difference between my block and city hall in miles?"
Leona's statement that "you can't measure the difference between my block and city hall in miles" is metaphorical, highlighting the socio-economic and racial divide between her low-income, minority...
Seedfolks
What motivates Leona to plant in Seedfolks?
Leona is motivated to plant in the community garden as a tribute to her deceased grandmother, who was known for her resilience and habit of outliving her doctors. Inspired by her grandmother's...
Seedfolks
What ideas did Virgil's father have about the garden in Seedfolks?
Virgil's father, an optimistic former bus driver from Haiti, plans to grow baby lettuce in a garden to sell to fancy restaurants for profit. He believes this could make them rich, as fresh baby...
Seedfolks
Compare and contrast Sam and Curtis in Seedfolks.
How would you compare and contrast Sam and Curtis in the novel Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman?
Seedfolks
What does the gardener mean when she says "Back then, I didn't know it was you..." in Seedfolks?
In "Seedfolks," the gardener's statement "Back then, I didn't know it was you" reflects her realization and regret over misjudging Amir due to her prejudice. Previously, she had accused him of...
Seedfolks
Why is Gonzalo's symbol a pepper in Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman?
Gonzalo's symbol is a pepper in Seedfolks because it reflects his connection to his cultural roots and his role in helping his Tio Juan acclimate to a new environment. While the specific seeds...
Seedfolks
In Seedfolks, why was Gonzalo embarrassed by his father and uncle?
Gonzalo feels embarrassed by his father and uncle because they struggle with English, making it hard for them to interact with others in Cleveland. His father, who works with Mexicans and...