Much is written in the novel about the destruction Sherman’s army left in its wake. Research Sherman’s March to the Sea and then compare and contrast what you learned in this historical research to what is presented in this book.

Slavery was a key reason for the Civil War. Write an essay considering the different opinions about slavery in this book. What does the book generally seem to present about the institution of slavery?

Compare what the author reveals about Aunt Ella and Will’s mom. In what ways are they the same, and in what ways are they different? What accounts for these differences? How much of a role does the institution of slavery play in their differences?