1. If you have read the other two books in this trilogy, does this—the first volume— prepare you for the rest of Heidi's story?

If you have not read the other two novels, what do you imagine will happen to Heidi in later installments?

2. Would Heidi's mode of dress make her blend into the crowd or stand out from the crowd? What does that say about how people judge each other based only on appearances?

3. Compare and contrast the Christmas presents that Heidi and Jeffrey exchange.

4. Characterize Miss Margolis. Is her honesty a helpful or hurtful thing?

5. What do the incidents involving Leonard's two office boys—one effeminate and one a "thug"—tell us about Leonard's personality and attitudes?

6. Is Shirley Rosenbloom a sympathetic character?

7. In Chapter 18, are there any other layers of meaning to the Norfolk terrier description printed...