House and Vaswani highlight the 2008 presidential election throughout Meena and River’s letters. How does Meena’s neighborhood respond to Obama’s election in comparison with River’s community? How do Meena and River’s comments about voting and the election contribute to the theme that one’s voice has value?

River and Meena have grandmothers who are similar in many ways. What are the similarities between Mawmaw and Dadi, and how do these women influence their grandchildren in similar ways?

Compare and contrast Meena and River. How are they similar, and how are they different? How do their similarities and differences contribute to their friendship and personal growth?