“The Scribe”
Vocabulary Key
Dignified - having self-respect or pride
Timidly - shyly; fearfully
Disability – lack of ability or power to do or act
Substantiate - prove
Immunization – protection from a disease
Nuisance – something that annoys or troubles
Interest – money paid for the use of money; a percentage of the amount saved
Pillar – slender columns used as supports or ornaments for a building
Scribe – a person who writes books or documents by hand as a profession and helps keep track of records. The
profession originally involved the keeping of business, judicial and, historical records for kings, nobles,
temples, and cities. Later the profession developed into public servants, journalists, accountants, typists, and
lawyers. In societies with low literacy rates, street-corner letter-writers (and readers) may still be found
providing this service.
Text-Dependent Questions and Answers
What can you infer about James’ character based on his willingness to provide a free service for those
that are illiterate in his community?
Possible answer: James is a caring individual. He wants to educate the people in his community.
He has respect for his elders and does not like to see them being mistreated or taken advantage of.
Based on the information provided by James’ parents, why are the people in his community not placing
their trust in the bank?
Possible answer: James parents told him about a time when people lost trust in banks. James’ dad
told him that “Some of them remember the Depression when all the banks closed and people
couldn't get their money out. And others think banks are only for white people. They think they'll
be insulted, or maybe even arrested, if they go in there.”
What did Mrs. Franklin learn from James and what did James learn from Mrs. Franklin?
Mrs. Franklin learned that there was no need to fear banks. She also learned that you have to
step outside of your comfort zone to benefit from the unknown. James learned that you have to
have courage to overcome your fears. And Mrs. Franklin told James, “don’t ever be afraid to try
a thing just because you have never done it before.”
After reading the letter from Mrs. Mary Mayer, do you think the people that chose Check Cashing
Services over banks are making a wise decision? Why or why not?
Answers may vary based on student’s opinion. Potential response: Yes, because you receive your
money immediately at a Check Cashing Services location and you are required to deposit money
at a bank.
Story Map Answer Key
Title: “The Scribe”
Author: Kristin Hunter
Characteristics and Lessons
James, the narrator: Brave, Considerate, Helpful, Caring, Inquisitive, Passionate
Silver & Dollar: Greedy, Rude, Disrespectful, Mean, Impatient, and Driven by Money
Mom & Dad: Knowledgeable, Compassionate, Patient
Mrs. Franklin: Elderly, Illiterate, Courageous, Mild-mannered, Wise
Students may select various implied or stated lessons learned by the characters.
Theme: Do not fear the unknown. Don’t be afraid to try something just because you have never done it before.
Major events:
1. James goes to the Silver Dollar for the first time to get change for his mother. He observes the action
and the treatment of the customers in the establishment.
2. James becomes upset about what he observes in the Silver Dollar. He notices that many people in his
neighborhood can’t read or write and it makes him upset.
3. The next day James goes down to the Silver Dollar and sets up a table in front of the establishment to
advertise, “PUBLIC SCRIBE, ALL SERVICES FREE.”
4. Silver and Dollar call the police and James and is forced to end his free service. He was upset, but left in
a cool manner.
5. The next morning James hung around the door of the Silver Dollar and convinced a small group, 3
people, to follow him with the intention of opening an account at the bank.
6. Once at the bank, one out of the three people stayed, Mrs. Franklin. Although she was illiterate, she
opened an account and tried something new. James decided that he may just go get that license and they
both learned a lesson, “don’t ever be afraid to try a thing just because you have never done it before.”
Theme- Graphic Organizer
Answers may vary based on the universal themes selected