1. Mina says that clubs formed by her friends are formed in order to leave people out and to make sure people know they are left out. Is this an accurate assessment of social clubs or is it unfair?

2. Mina's teacher is unhappy with her because she is not reading books about African Americans. Is it important to read about ethnic group as Mina's teacher insists? Why or why not?

3. Mina falls in love with Tamer, a much older married man, when she is eleven, and maintains her crush for several years. Does this seem realistic to you?

4. What are the qualities or attributes that make Mr. Bryce an ineffective teacher?

5. Mina's mother tells her that "there are men who don't like girls, women, to be too smart." Is this an attitude that has changed or is it still a prevailing...