Describe Sophie's family life in the opening chapters of the novel. Are there any clues present that Sophie might be adopted, or that these parents aren't her "real parents"? Do you think Creech successfully creates mystery and suspense around Sophie's childhood, or is the truth of her past too obvious?

Discuss Sophie's quote that, "Out here there isn't day and night and then a new day. Instead, there are degrees of light and dark merging and changing. It's like one long stream of time unfolding in front of you, all around you" (Page 42). In what way might this "long stream of time unfolding" symbolize the family's relationship with Bompie, particularly with his stories? In what ways might this quote symbolize Sophie's relationship with herself and her own dark (and light) past?

Why do you think Uncle Stew had the idea that everyone aboard The...