1. What happens in the house of the Jeromes from 9:02 p.m. to 9:51 p.m. on April 1? How do the intruders get into the house? How do they treat Karen Jerome?

2. Characterize the four teen-age boys who vandalized the home of the Jerome family. What was their motivation for committing this criminal act?

3. Compare the characters of Harry Flowers and Buddy Walker. How are their similarities and differences important?

4. What kind of activities do the four teen-age boys pursue in their leisure time?

5. Why does Buddy have a problem with alcohol? Characterize his family situation and describe his relationship to his father.

6. What kind of person is Jane Jerome? Does she act like a regular teen-ager her age?

7. Describe the parents of Jane and characterize the atmosphere in the Jerome family.

8. Compare their family situation with those of Harry and Buddy.

9. How does Jane get...