1. Although Cordelia Bishop has only a high school education, she is very successful in preparing students like Jonathan Eltwing, Julie, and Danny for winning scholarships to prestigious universities. What types of learning responsibilities would those successful students have accepted that some students might consider unusual today?

2. What particular character traits would Aunt Cordelia need to develop in order to be happy with her adult life?

3. In what ways do Julie and her friends entertain themselves in an era before television and sophisticated toys?

4. Julie is angry when Jonathan Eltwing calls her "little Cordelia." Why does he call her that? Would she have responded differently to this statement when she was older?

5. Why does Aunt Cordelia place so much stress upon herself and Julie following self-imposed guidelines for daily routines?