Respecting Others

The author shows readers that all people can show respect, and all people deserve it. Showing respect to other people is extremely important in Reena's family and an attitude that requires hard work and practice for the children in the early portions of the novel.

As Reena, Luke and their father are heading over to meet Mrs. Falala for the first time, he instructs them that no matter what happens, they should be respectful. The family has heard a few things about the old woman from people in the town, so they are a bit wary. Following their first encounter the children are left wondering who it is that needs to learn to be nice. Luke, who does not like to be touched, was grabbed; they were knocked down by the crazy animals outside; and Mrs. Falala did not seem to be very gracious or...