- Elaine is afraid to trust the young people she meets when she first moves to Bird-in-Hand. She thinks anyone she makes friends
with could betray her like her friends in New Wilmington did. Do you think her fear is valid?
- Cal is determined to prove to Elaine that he can be trusted as a true friend. Do you think she deserves his loyalty despite
the numerous times she rejects him?
- Elaine’s mother believes their move to Bird-in-Hand is an answer to her prayer for a new start for Elaine. Do you think her
point of view is correct? Why or why not?
- Which character can you identify with the most? Which character seemed to carry the most emotional stake in the story? Elaine,
Cal, or someone else?
- Toward the end of the story, Elaine realizes she can trust Cal and cares for him. What do you think happened throughout the
story to make her change her mind?
- What role did singings play in the relationships throughout the story?