How did Marie's father feel about white people? What experiences did he have that made him feel the way he did? How did Marie's mother feel about white people?

Why did Marie's mother leave home? What impact did her departure have on Marie and her father and their relationship?

What drew Marie to Lena? Why did Sherry resent their relationship?

What connection did Marie make between her mother and Lena? What things did Lena and Diane have in common?

Why was it unfair for Diane to write letters to her daughter that Marie could not answer? How did Marie manage to respond? Why was it healthy for her to reply to her mother's letters?

Why was Marie's father initially against a friendship between Marie and Lena? What softened him to the idea?

Why didn't Lena call the police or some authority and report her...