Hard times bring out the worst and the best of humanity. Choose three characters from the novel. How does each character respond to the economic crisis in either a bad or good way? Compare and contrast the characters where appropriate.

What are some of the many roles that food plays in the novel? How does food affect characters’ moods and behaviors? How does food cause things to happen? Give specific examples.

How do the relationships that Josh develops when he and Joey are out on their own help him come of age and develop as a character? In what specific ways does each relationship change Josh?