1. Reread "God gave a loaf to every bird" by Emily Dickinson. Cavett believes Dickinson is saying something about being happy with what you have. Leslie believes the author is saying something about the feelings of starvation. What do you believe that Dickinson is saying? Why?

2. Why is it important for Leslie not to let her mother take any of the blame for what is happening to her?

3. Food in children's books often represents a good thing to the protagonist; Leslie believes food is a bad thing.

What does food symbolize in this book?

4. Why does Mrs. Hiller only buy things for herself that are on sale, and yet, spend any amount of money on something for Leslie?

5. Leslie says that she went to the dance like an empty box and Avram put a present in it. Her mother untied the ribbons, tore off the...