Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- How does the Creightons' location in southern Illinois give the characters a unique perspective on the war?
- Does Hunt's writing in dialect add or distract from the story? Why or why not?
- Aside from Jethro, who else gets in on the coming-of-age action? How so?
- Do you think Bill ever makes it home?
- Given the depressing tone of the book, is the ending too optimistic, not optimistic enough, or just right? Why?
- Guy Wortman is definitely a bad guy. But are his opinions on Bill and the Creightons valid? Why or why not?
- Slavery and industrialization were factors in the Civil War. What kind of issues do you think could spark a civil war now?
- Put yourself in Jethro's shoes. What would be the hardest part about the majority of your family going off to war? Do you think you'd handle it as well as he does?