1. Read just the opening five paragraphs of the story. What do you think Zel Robinson (Seely's mother) means by her statement, "I've finally made it out of the hills and hollows to where I can see daylight . . . I never thought I'd live to see the day." Fanny Tyson replies, "Zel, I hope the day never comes when you regret it." Make some predictions. What could possibly happen to make Zel regret leaving the hills and hollows of Green County and moving to the city? Record your predictions to review after you finish this book. Were they correct, different?

2. Mrs. Robinson seems fearful of life in the "city" for her children. Consequently we find in the opening chapters that she forbids them to leave the house without her permission. Compare Seely's and Robert's situation to your own in freedom or lack of freedom to come...