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1. Describe Patty Bergen.

Patty Bergen is a twelve-year-old Jewish girl living in Jenkinsville, Arkansas during World War II. Patty is extremely unhappy at home where her mother and father are cruel and unkind towards her. Patty is closest to Ruth, her black nanny. Ruth fills a maternal role that Patty's mother abandoned years ago. Patty sees others for their inner qualities, not for their race or nationality.

2. Why do the townspeople of Jenkinsville gather at the train station in Chapter 1?

Patty and many of the other townspeople wait at the train station in Chapter 1 to watch guards unload German prisoners from the train. A new camp for prisoners of war has opened in Patty's town, and everyone is curious to see the new residents.

3. Why does Ruth encourage Patty to be sweet and well-behaved in front of her parents?

Ruth, Patty's nanny and housekeeper, encourages Patty to be sweet and well-behaved in front of her parents because she is aware of how badly the Bergens treat their daughter. Ruth hopes that Mr. and Mrs. Bergen will notice Patty's good behavior and treat their daughter more kindly. Ruth loves Patty the way Mrs. Bergen should love her daughter, and like any good parent, encourages Patty to use her best manners so others will like her.

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