Toni Cade Bambara
Read the biography of Bambara found on this site. What life experiences might have led her to create a sympathetic character like Granny? Explain your answer in the Web Links Activity Log.

Dictionary of Symbolism
Look up "birds" in this online symbolism dictionary and discuss with a partner how this definition relates to the birds in Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird. Consider what might be the significance of the bird nailed to the toolshed door, and its mate, broken by the hammer.