Why do the personalities of Willa Jo and Aunt Patty clash? What rules does Aunt Patty have that seem unnecessary to Willa Jo? In what ways does she try to control their lives?

Why is Willa Jo so protective of Little Sister? What are some examples? How does her overprotective attitude help her little sister? How might it have delayed her recovery?

Why do the girls only miss their mother? What happened to their father? Why don't they seem concerned about him?

Why is there so much focus on sunrise in the story? What connection does Willa Jo make when she watches the sunrise? What do the sunset and sunrise symbolize?

How does Aunt Patty really feel about her sister and her nieces? What are some examples of Aunt Patty's love and concern for her nieces?

How is Uncle Hob a steadying influence in...