Chapters 1-15

Reading Check

1. The Boxton Creek Home (Chapter 2)

2. A gray bird (Chapter 3)

3. Ruby Holler (Chapter 8)

Short Answer

1. Mr. and Mrs. Trepid have strict guidelines and punishments for the children in their care. For example, Mr. Trepid threatens Dallas with weeding the garden when he looks out the window, and Florida is reprimanded for waving at a new resident. These punishments are frequent, and the children dream of leaving the facility. (Chapters 1-13)

2. Dallas and Florida have been subjected to abuse while living in foster homes in the past. For example, Florida recalls being slapped for breaking an egg, and the two always suspect they will be treated poorly at any moment. They eventually decide to remain at Ruby Holler for a time because the Moreys have agreed to pay them for their labor. (Chapters 3-10)

3. Florida, while in the Boxton Creek Home, imagines what it would be like to have a mother, and Dallas wonders who he might look like. The thinking of the children reveals their desire to belong to someone. (Chapters 5-12)

4.