About the Book

Changes and difficult choices abound in this incisive portrait of a girl trying to make sense of the tumultuous era of the Civil Rights Movement. Augusta Scattergood has drawn on real-life events to create a memorable novel about family, friendship, and choices that aren’t always easy.

Discussion Questions

1. Glory and her older sister were once good friends, but now they are drifting apart. Why do you think this is happening?
2. Frankie and Glory have been friends since they were very young. What difference of opinion is causing them to pull away from each other?
3. Hanging Moss has segregated facilities like water fountains, restrooms, pools, and schools. How would you feel if the color of your skin dictated where you were allowed to go?
4. Why do you think Glory ignores Emma’s advice to try not to worry about things she cannot fix?
5. Glory’s choice to befriend Laura is not popular with many of the kids in town. Have you ever made an unpopular choice because you knew it was right? How did it feel?
6. Many people judged Laura before getting to know her. How do people judge others at your school? Do opinions change over time?
7. Glory is excited to know people from other parts of the country. What can you learn from becoming friends with people from other parts of the country or the world?
8. Emma tells Glory that if she keeps her mouth closed, she cannot cause trouble. Do you think this is a good motto to live by? Why or why not?
9. Glory’s father says that she is opinionated like her mother. In what way are you like your family members?
10. What events bring Glory and Jesslyn together?