The novel opens with Gracie being told she is going to her grandmother’s farm for the summer. How do you think each character, Gracie, her daddy Robert, and her mother Sissy truly feel about this?
Brown Hound appears throughout the novel, sometimes as part of the action and sometimes simply making an appearance. How did some of Brown Hound’s actions influence the events in the story. How did they encourage Gracie’s growth?
Great Granny Jane is always there, commenting, comforting, and telling hard truths. Why did the author include her and what purpose does she serve by being in the story?
The setting is 1951 North Carolina. How does this time and place allow the story to reveal the prejudices and injustices of that time?
We see Marcell change during the story. Discuss these changes and point out the events that seem to be turning points for her. Do you think the finding of Ivis will help her and, in 1951, how much will she actually be able to resolve?
Gracie decides to go by herself to see Miss Charity. What happens in the story to bring about the courage do this?
Miss Emily is the soft and loving grandmother but she does have her hard moments. Describe what she must have thought and more importantly, felt when she punishes Brown Hound for killing the chicken.
Aunt Martha and Uncle Ben are a comfort to Gracie and Jane. Why did Uncle Ben take them to the carnival?
There are several characters vying for the title of ‘least liked’. Which one do you choose and give the reasons why. How might this character be redeemed?
Jane is Gracie’s partner in crime. How are their situations alike? How are they different? Describe how Jane and Gracie’s relationship evolves.
Gracie evolves, but so does Jane. Talk about Jane’s evolution.
Discuss Aunt Viola’s teeth. How do they add to the character? Why do you think the author included this in the story?
Gracie has several major turning points that begin to change her view of herself. Name at least two and talk about why the events made such an impact.
The story ends with the soft summer night and a bit of safety. Is this temporary? What do you think these changes in Gracie’s situation will be? How do you think she will navigate the coming year?
This story is told by 10-year-old Gracie. How would the story be different if it was told by Marcell?
