3. When the Wilkinsons take their first family road trip to New York City to visit the Hennings family, how long has it been since Deming took his first trip upstate with Kay and Peter?

4. Where does Deming's mother work?

5. How long after Deming was born did Polly take off work?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a birthday tradition for the Wilkinsons, and how does that work on Deming's birthday?

2. What has Michael been doing since he and Daniel last saw one another?

3. What things does Deming do hoping they will help bring his mother back and keep her safe?

4. What was Deming's life like from birth to age six?

5. What does Deming learn when he goes back to New York City with the Wilkinsons to see their friends and their adopted Chinese daughter?

6. Who becomes Deming's first friend?

7. How did Polly get pregnant?

8. How did Polly get to America and why did she go?

9. Why did Polly move to Funzhou and what job did she get?

10. What does Daniel learn about Vivian's role in him being placed with the Wilkinsons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Polly was an illegal immigrant in both New York City. What were her experiences as an illegal immigrant, and how did those experiences traumatize her?

Essay Topic 2

Yong likes to think he came from humble beginnings. Did Yong come from humble beginnings? What does that claim reveal about him?

Essay Topic 3

Idioms are words that have a figurative, rather than a literal meaning. How are idioms used in The Leavers to help characters communicate? How do idioms help create word pictures and mental images for readers in a concise manner? How do idioms help readers understand characters, emotions, and ideas?

(see the answer keys)

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