1. Which character in the book is the most believable? Why?

2. Bizou undergoes a frightening experience. How does she react? Is this realistic? Do you think this will affect her in later years? How?

3. Why do Bizou and Tranquility travel to America? Why does Tranquility leave Bizou in New York? What is she hoping for? Does the story give you evidence that she achieved it?

4. Describe Bizou's feelings about her mother before, during, and after Tranquility's disappearance. What do you think of Tranquility as a mother? What influences your opinion?

5. Compare and contrast the attitudes of the other characters toward Tranquility. Do each of them change their opinions during the course of the story? How? Why?

6. Bizou appears to be a relatively independent young person, but the sense of belonging is important to her.

In what ways does she want to be like others, and...