Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Scaffolded/Short-Answer Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below-bulleted outlines. Cite details from the novel over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Deza feels grateful each time someone gives her a gift. Brainstorm a list of gifts that Deza receives from someone in the story.

•  What might gifts and gift-giving represent on a symbolic level to Deza? (topic sentence)
• Which three gifts do you think are most important to Deza? Discuss each gift you chose using details from the story.
• Collectively, what do the gifts show you, the reader, about the time period and struggles during the Great Depression? Explain your answer in your concluding sentence or sentences.

2. Deza begins and ends her narrative with the Malone family motto: “We are a family on a journey to a place called Wonderful.”

• In your topic sentence, describe what you think Father means by this motto.
• What are three scenes or chapters in between the first and last chapter that demonstrate how the Malones’ motto fits their family? Include details from the scenes or chapters to show your points.