How is Shabanu similar to girls in America? How is she a normal eleven-year-old?

What issues are different for her? Does she seem to act older than girls her age do in the West?

Shabanu loves her camels. What kinds of animals do Western children fall in love with in this way?

Shabanu doesn't go to school and doesn't know how to read and write. In fact, she seems completely unaware that other children do these things. Do you feel sorry for her because she can't read or write?

The setting is very important in this novel. List five elements of the setting and the role they play in the progression of the plot. You can use place, time, culture, and weather, for example.

Why and how does Shabanu's relationship with Dadi change? When do you most notice the change?

Why does Dadi cry at...