“What’s this sad face, son?” his father asked.
Martin put down his fork.
“Bobby’s daddy told him to quit playing with me because I am not white.”
“That’s not fair!”
Christine talked and chewed at the same time.
“No, it’s not,”
Daddy said in a serious voice.
“Why does color
make any difference?” Martin asked.
“Well, some white folks believe they are better than we black people.”
Mama nodded.
“So they treat colored people badly.
We can’t eat in the same restaurants or stay in the same hotels as they do.”
Comprehension Questions
1. Why can't Martian be Bobby's friend?
A. Because of where he lives
B. The color of his skin
C. Because he was homeless
2. What does Martian think about Bobby's dad not letting them be friends?
A. It's not fair
B. He was happy
C. He didn't care
A. It's not fair
B. He was happy
C. He didn't care
Your Thoughts
3. Did you like this excerpt? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.