1. In what ways are the Hastings Bay and River View kids different? How are they alike? Is loyalty to your own town a form of snobbery?

2. Is the feud between the two towns senseless or is there a real basis for it?

3. Is it possible to break the chain of "inherited hate" as in civil or religious wars that have gone on for generations, where children inherit a war started by their ancestors?

4. Are the police from both towns insensitive and unfair to the kids from the other town, or are their suspicions justified?

5. Making peace becomes Kate's personal crusade. Why? Why is this important to her even before her brother is beaten?

6. Is it possible to remain neutral or uninvolved in a feud as Jon tried to do? What are the consequences of not getting involved?

7. The term "traitor" is used many times...