Suggested Questions about Steamboats:

1. The story says that of all the boats on the Mississippi River, steamboats were the most impressive. Why do you think the author said that? What do you find impressive about the steamboat?
2. Steamboats are still used today, but mostly for tourist rides on rivers. Have you ever had a ride on a steamboat? Would you like to go on one?
3. What is the proper term for the front of a boat? The back? The sides?
   
   The bow is the point of the vessel that is heading into the water.
   
   The stern is the back or aft part of a vessel.
   
   Starboard refers to the right side of a vessel, when a person is facing toward the bow.
   
   Port refers to the left side of a vessel, when a person is facing toward the bow.
4. If you could ride on any boat in the illustration, which one would you choose?