1. Why does Raisa Nikitovna harbor so much animosity towards Esther?

2. What becomes of the missing food in chapter 8, and how does everyone react to this issue?

3. Reflect on the statement, "But, I thought, if you are supposed to be generous, who are you supposed to be generous to? Only those who don't need it? It was very confusing."

4. Who turns into Esther's closest friend at school, and what does Esther do to earn her friendship?

5. Who is the boy Esther is most romantically interested in? Who is the boy most interested in Esther? Why do these relationships develop this way?

6. What are Uncle Yozia and Aunt Zaya's attitudes towards the Rudomins, and how do they assist them?

7. How would you characterize Marya Nikolayevna's personality and traits?

8. What examples in the book illustrate that hardship can bring people closer together?

9. Which individuals treat the Rudomins the best, and which treat them the worst? What factors influence this treatment?

10. Why were sapogy and a fufaika so significant to Esther?