Dustin Groat is angry at the boys for teasing him about the bug in his ear. He says, "I'll give you something to scream about if that's all you can do, stupido!

Just scream your heads off and see if anybody hears or cares!" What do his words reveal about his family life?

2. Why does the teacher lecture the students about trading names in the interview assignment? Is that something that would only occur in a book or is that something that could occur in a real classroom?

3. Describe the farm where Carly lives. Is she a productive member of the farm family? What are her specific chores?

4. Carly and Noah disobey their parents on several occasions. Name these occasions and discuss if their actions are justified.

5. Carly, Noah, Luke, and Dustin have very private places they regard as their own. Describe each one...