Why did Michael change his name? If you were going to choose a new name, what name would you choose? Why?

Many African Americans in Charleston had come from (or their parents or grandparents had come from) Gambia, in Africa. What did they bring from their Gambian heritage that became part of the culture of South Carolina?

Slaves worked for their masters and did what they were told, without being paid. But the masters had responsibility for their slaves. What did masters provide for slaves?

In Seaward Born Michael/Noah lived in Charleston, in Boston, and in the Maine seaport of Wiscasset. What was different about each of these places? What did the people do there to earn a living? What was the relationship between African Americans and whites in each of these communities?

St. Michael's Church, Charleston, South Carolina

Michael/Noah’s mama wanted him to do as he was told; his papa wanted him to be free. Why do you think they each gave him different advice? Was one right and one wrong? Can you think of something you would like to do that might involve great risk … but, if you were successful, would result in great rewards? How would your parents feel about your attempting it?

At first Michael can’t decide whether to run away or stay in Charleston. Why should he run? Why should he stay?

Michael has to leave many of his friends as his journey continues. What do you think happened to Cudjoe? To Jim? To Sarah? To Beck? To Abbie and Seth?

What are three new words you learned from reading Seaward Born? Draw a picture to illustrate one of them.