1. Research baboon social structure and examine whether or not Nhamo's observations of the baboon troop are accurate.

2. Look up information about the symbols of life and death in the Shona belief system. How does Farmer use those symbols in A Girl Named Disaster?

3. Research the history of Zimbabwe or Mozambique, paying particular attention to the struggles for independence.

4. Compare the customs and history of the Shona and Matabele tribes. What is the source of the hostility between these two groups?

5. What is the importance of chrome mining to Zimbabwe? How is chrome mined?

6. Do a report on one of the numerous plants and animals that appear in A Girl Named Disaster.

7. Research Shona praise poetry and examine whether or not Nhamo makes appropriate use of it in celebrating her achievements.

8. Why did the Portuguese dam up the Zambezi River and...