Initially, Amy runs away from her family to see her Aunt Clare because of tensions in the family. Aunt Clare, likewise, has spent time away from her family as a result of her parents’ death. Explore the role of family and healing in the novel. How is healing between individuals made evident? How does the idea of healing and its presence in the story impact the overall tone of the novel? Use these questions to help in formulating a response.

• ·Why do Amy and Aunt Clare experience tensions in their family?
• How does distance benefit Amy and Louann?
• In what ways do Amy and Aunt Clare experience healing?
• How does Amy feel about her family at the end of the novel?

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to analyze the pros and cons of the distance created in the family with a T-chart before discussing the questions. Students can then analyze the changes that occur to the characters by analyzing the plot chronologically.

Differentiation Suggestion: Students who benefit from additional assistance with analysis may find it helpful to discuss the bulleted questions in small groups before answering the prompt’s main question independently. Students also may find it helpful to record responses to the questions before discussing them aloud as a whole group.