1. If you have not read the sequel, Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee, speculate about what might happen in it. Will Hannalee's family find work in Atlanta? Will one-armed Davey find work as a carpenter? Will Hannalee become educated and become a teacher?

2. Why is Hannalee so eager to go to school? Does she not work hard enough already?

3. Why does Beatty go out of her way to show Northerners who are nice to Southerners as well as those who are not nice?

4. By the time she is twelve years old, Hannalee has already been working a long time in the mill. Her younger brother is also already working there. Is this a good idea for people their age? How would this affect your life?

5. Jem talks big about sticking pitchforks into "bluebellies," but he is badly frightened when he actually sees Union soldiers. Why do...