1. Do you think Balyet's people were justified in going away and leaving her to be alone forever? Why or why not?

2. Several times in the story, Mrs. Willet tries to keep Jo from doing something by telling her there is not enough food to go around. Do you think Mrs. Willet is really worried about running out of food? If not, why does she use such a flimsy excuse?

3. Why does Jo keep seeking out Balyet in the face of Granny Willet's warnings, and after she has seen how little Kevin almost died after being called to her?

4. Could a boy or girl in our world innocently do something that upsets the people around her as much as Balyet's flirtation did her family? If so, what would it be, and what punishment would it provoke?

5. The worst thing Jo can think of to say...