What is a sequel? How is this book a sequel to Homecoming? Where does the story in this novel take place in comparison to the prequel, Homecoming? Why did the author chose write a sequel to her previous novel? Does this story expand upon the characters in the earlier book? In what way?

Who is Dicey Tillerman? Why does the author focus on this character? What is her relationship to James, Sammy, and Maybeth? What is her relationship like with Gram? Why does Dicey feel it is her responsibility to put the younger children to bed in the beginning of the novel? Why does Gram turn to Dicey for help when she has a conference with the children's teachers? What is Dicey's role in this new family?

Who is Gram? Why did the Tillerman children come to live with her? Why did she take...