1. Jean's mother annoys Jean by always reminding her to "be good." What do you think she means by this? Why do you think it annoys Jean so much? Do you think Jean is "good"?

2. Jean is homesick for a place she has never seen. How can this be? What does "home" mean?

3. Even though Jean has never been to America, she has very definite ideas about what America will be like. How well do her ideas hold up to the reality of Washington, Pennsylvania?

4. David Hull is adopted. Jean thinks her parents should adopt Lee, an orphan girl who visits the family at Christmas. How does the idea of adoption complement the theme of finding one's roots? Why are roots so important?

5. Jean's favorite name is "Marjorie."

She hates the choice of "Miriam" for her baby sister. Why are names so important in this...