Discuss Miri's guilt at not working in the quarry. Why does she feel so guilty? Why does she assume she is a burden to the community? What does it take for her to realize how mistaken she is in her thinking?

Miri and the other girls range in age from twelve to eighteen. How would you feel if you were aged similarly and told you may have to marry a complete stranger? What are some of the girls' reactions to the news?

Why is Miri's name special? Do you know what your name means? What did Miri's father originally want to name her?

Why does Miri decide to help the other girls pass the oral exam? Do you think she did the right thing? Why or why not?

Why has Britta been sent to the mountain? Why does she keep the truth from everyone...