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80 pages 2 hours read

Kwame Alexander

Black Star

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2024

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Chapter 7Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 7, Introduction Summary: “The Story of the Battle”

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and racism, including racist violence.



Nana and his cousin Kofi were forced to join the Navy and clean the ships to help the Civil War’s cause. They worked hard to earn their keep of room and board.

Later in the war, the captain had a plan to surround the enemy fleet, but he couldn’t get a message to the other ships. Kofi volunteered to swim to the other boat at midnight, putting his life at risk.

The next day, the other ships appeared to box in the enemy fleet. Kofi had been successful. Nana didn’t hear from his cousin for years after they won the war, though.

Chapter 7, Poem 1 Summary: “Alarm”

Momma scolds Charley for being so dirty from her game. After her bath, she doesn’t hear any noises from Nana’s room.

Chapter 7, Poem 2 Summary: “Attacked”

Charley almost has an asthma attack because she’s so distraught over Nana’s whereabouts and health.

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