1. How representative of the problems of young people who speak English as a second language in American schools are the experiences of Tere?

2. Is Mary Beth Jackson trustworthy? Should Tere believe that Mary Beth has actually become her friend?

3. How uncomfortable are people when they hear other people speaking a language they do not understand?

Might they worry that they are being talked about, the way Mary Beth says she worries?

4. What could be done to help Tere with her schoolwork?

5. What could be done to help Tere get along with her schoolmates?

6. Setting up that trap beyond the bridge goes way beyond picking on someone or even bullying behavior.

What should be done about the boys responsible for the trap? Will they eventually seriously hurt someone?

7. Does "American Girls" provide any insights into the experiences of someone who has trouble with English who...