The novel never definitively states whether Grandpa and Grandma are Bob Lee's parents or Sara's parents. Yet numerous clues within the novel make it obvious that the grandparents are Jay Berry's maternal grandparents. What are some of the things in the novel that establish this relationship?

During the fall, when Daisy is away getting her operation, Jay Berry notes that Rowdy has slowed down and isn't as active as he was during the summer. Jay Berry assumes this is merely because the seasons are changing. What else might be happening to Rowdy?

After reading about growing up in the 1800s in Oklahoma, would you rather live now or then? Would you rather live in rural Oklahoma, or where you do now? Why? Discuss.

Discuss the historical background of the novel. In what ways does the novel's historical setting of northeast Oklahoma contribute to the...