1. Does Aunt Clara look forward to Josh's visit? Consider the ways she has mentioned his visit to the young people in Ryan Creek and to her adult neighbors.

2. Is Aunt Clara being unduly critical of Josh when she instructs him to stand up straight, comments on his poor night vision, and states that he is too thin?

What expectations of Josh lead her to make these comments?

3. In the first chapter Josh thinks of Aunt Clara as "the one men touched their hats to, the one the girl almost curtsied to...." What other incidents or descriptions in the book lead you to believe that Aunt Clara is a highly respected resident of Ryan Creek whose judgments are sought and valued?

4. What events in the story would cause you to think that Aunt Clara hopes to introduce some new elements into Josh's life during his...