1. If I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is about self-discovery, and Gather Together in My Name is about self-reliance, what theme would you derive from Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas?

2. What is the significance of the author discarding the nicknames "Ritie", "Sugar", and "Rita"?

3. On her travels around the world and throughout the book, what does Maya learn about prejudice and tolerance?

4. How would you characterize Guy? In what ways are he and his mother alike? How do they differ?