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Topics for Discussion

1. Isannah Lapham is only a minor character. What function does she serve in the story? How can she be compared to her sister Cilia?

2. At the end of the story, Rab becomes one of the first casualties of the American Revolution. Why did Forbes choose to have a major character killed?

Would the story change significantly if Rab lived?

3. In many ways, Johnny, Rab, and Cilia seem far older than they really are.

What kinds of adult responsibilities do they have? How does war cause young people to grow up faster?

4. Forbes said that she tried to make Johnny a realistic and fully rounded character. Was she successful in her intentions? How is Johnny similar to boys his age today?

5. Mr. Lapham predicts that Johnny.....

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