The North-Eastern United States

This is the broad-strokes geographical setting, or context, of the story. While there are few references, if any, to the exact town, state, or region in which the story takes place, there is a significant clue: Ally's class takes a single-day field trip to the home of Noah Webster, who created the first American dictionary. That home is in Connecticut, a state in the North-Eastern corner of America (i.e. New England). This suggests an approximate location for the book's overall setting.

The School

Much of the important action of the narrative takes place at Ally's school. That is the place where she is most bullied and most supported, most transformed by friendship, and becomes most aware of her own unique value. It is an appropriate setting for her to learn about the best ways for her to learn.

Ally's Home

While relatively little of...