In what way do Rifka and her family embody the American Dream? How does their experience contradict this ideal?

Discuss Rifka's relationships with her brothers. How does each relationship express different parts of Rifka's personality, and how do they change over time?

Rifka celebrates her thirteenth birthday in the book. How does she mark this occasion, and how does she change and mature throughout the story in ways that have nothing to do with how old she is?

Rifka has to cross several different borders in the book. Compare and contrast her experiences in Poland, Belgium, and the United States.

Getting married was an important goal for young girls at this time. How does this affect Rifka's journey? What about her cousin Tovah's life?

Rifka meets many people along her way. Compare and contrast her experience making friends with Pieter and with Ilya. What...