1. Retta Caldwell is an admirable heroine. For example, she is trustworthy, dependable, responsible, and mature. She is loyal to her friends and sensitive and caring about others, and she and her family experience few conflicts. Has the author been fair to the reader in making Retta so exemplary?

Would you have liked Retta better or less if she had exhibited negative traits as well as good ones?

2. Retta is angered by the devasta-tion to Caldwell lands caused by building the new highway. However, there is the unquestionable need today for faster, safer transportation. Which do you consider the greater need, preservation of the environment or fast, safe transportation for the public? Can they co-exist?

3. The Caldwell family has no recourse but to permit the new highway to cut through their lands as the law gives to the state the right to decide what is...