The attitude of the French towards children as small adults is in direct contrast with the British idea that young people are innocent and must be protected from the adult world, and adult concerns. How are children presented in American novels? Is there a cultural difference, in the way children are treated by and as adults? What taboos does the American society preserve? What is considered suitable or unsuitable for children? Are these taboos reflecting the attitudes of the adult society? How do our media reflect children and the children's world?

1. The events are seen through the eyes of Cecil, a young girl. How does this viewpoint affect both the theme and the tone of the novel? Would it be the same if Joss were to tell about the events?

2. Cultural contrasts are strong in this novel. The French allow the children to hear adult gossip...