Favorite Character

Who is your favorite character. Why? (Student ID)

Feeling Torn (Ambivalent!)

When Darcy sees her father after five years, she feels torn. Explain her ambivalence. (Student ID)

Letter of Gratitude

At the end of the book, Darcy realizes that "three new loyal friends had come into her life unexpectedly when she needed them most." Pretend to be Darcy. Write a thank you note from Darcy to Hakeem, Tarah, and Cooper. Tell them what you appreciate most about each of them and how you feel about them now. (Student ID)

Facing the Consequences

Mr. Wills knows that he has done something wrong. It must have been difficult for him to admit to Darcy that he was wrong and to hear what she had to say to him. Have you ever done something you knew was wrong, then admitted it, and then faced the consequences? Explain your situation. (Student ID)

In the Hospital Cafeteria

As Darcy and Cooper are walking into the cafeteria at the hospital, Darcy sees two people talking in the corner. Who are they? What are they doing? What do you think they are talking about? How do you think this makes Darcy feel? (Student ID)

Finding Jamee

Describe how they find Jamee. (Student ID)

The Talk at the Diner

Hakeem leaves Darcy and Mr. Wills alone together in the diner so that they can talk privately. What does Darcy ask her father? What does he reply? (Student ID)

Darcy's Talk with Dad

When Mr. Wills asks if Jamee ran away because of him, Darcy tells him, "It might be that." When she sees that her reply has hurt him, she goes on and tells him more. She was finding "comfort in his obvious misery." Do you think Darcy is cruel to make her father suffer? Do you think she is doing the right thing? Explain. (Student ID)

Give Children Freedom?

Mom says, "She wasn't doing well in school, but I didn't nag her about it. I didn't make demands....I never criticized her friends...I gave her freedom." Do you think Mom's ideas are right? What does a child need from a parent? (Student ID)

Jamee's Note?

Pretend you are Jamee, and write a goodbye note that she could have left behind when she ran away. Explain why you are leaving and what you hope happens. (Student ID)

Brisana's Father

When Brisana's father was out of work for several months, Brisana was so embarrassed! She didn't even tell Darcy, her best friend. Why do you think Brisana kept that information a secret? What conclusion might you draw about what is important to her? (Student ID)

Tarah's Advice

Darcy tells Tarah about the problems in her family. What advice does Tarah give Darcy? Does Darcy follow her advice? (Student ID)

Do you say something?

Darcy is certain that Jamee was beaten up by Bobby Wallace although Jamee denies it. How would you feel if you suspected that a friend or family member was being abused? What would you do? Would you try to become involved in some way, or would you consider the situation a private matter between the people?
Explain your answer. (Student ID)

Grandma's Words

What do you think Grandma meant when she told Darcy, "Carrying grudges is like carrying an open flame in your pocket. It's going to burn you before it burns anybody else" ?

You are Tarah or Cooper!

Pretend you are Tarah or Cooper. Write about the day you went to the tidal pool with Darcy. Describe each event and how you felt about it. At the end, show how you feel about Darcy now. (Student ID)

Brisana's Mean Words

What are some of the bad things Brisana says about Tarah and Cooper? Why do you think she is trying to turn Darcy against them? (Student ID)

Write to Jamee

Pretend you are Jamee's big brother or sister. Write her a letter about her relationship with Bobby Wallace. In the letter, explain why you are worried about her. Give her some advice about what she should do.
(Student ID)

Defending People

When Brisana calls Tarah "pig girl" and makes fun of her, Darcy wants to tell her to stop, but she doesn't say anything. Why doesn't Darcy speak up? Have you ever wanted to defend someone but not done it. Why? Have you ever defended someone? What happened? Tell your story. (Student ID).

Darcy's Mom--Is she right?

When Darcy tries to talk to her mother about Jamee's behavior, her mother tells her not to worry. She tells Darcy that Jamee is just going through a rebellious phase and that she will be okay. Do you think Mrs. Wills is right to let Jamee go her own way, or do you think parents should get involved when their child seems to be going in a bad direction? (Put your student ID to get credit).

Darcy--the other adult?

Since Dad abandoned the family, Darcy seems to be acting as the other adult in the family. What evidence do you see that Darcy is acting as an adult? What evidence do you see that Darcy is still a young girl?
(Use your Student ID).

Favoritism

Explain how Mr. Wills (Dad) showed favoritism toward Jamee. How do you think Darcy feels about the relationship between Dad and Jamee? (Use your Student ID).

The Day Dad Left

Write about the day Mr. Wills (Dad) left from the perspective of Mr. Wills (not as Darcy told the story). Use your Student ID to get credit).

Jamee

Why is Jamee so angry? (This should be a paragraph--not a sentence!)

Tarah and Brisana

Compare and contrast the characters, Tarah and Brisana. How are they the same? How are they different? Give evidence for your answer. (Don't forget to put your student ID to get credit).

Tarah Carson

Describe Tarah Carson in your own words. Do you know a Tarah in your life? In what ways is Tarah like the person you know? (Student ID).

Mr. Wills

How did Jamee react when her father first left the family? What did she do instead of believing the truth? Why do you think she did that? (Student ID)

Hakeem

What do we know (so far) about Hakeem? How does Darcy feel about him? (Use your student ID).

The Team Project

Why was Darcy so upset when Ms. Reed asked her to work with Tarah?

Darcy & Jamee

What was Darcy and Jamee's relationship in the past? How has it changed? Explain. (Use your student ID).