Character Quotes
"She has to learn she can't have everything she wants, not in this life."
Addie's father
In what year does the story take place?
1946
Explain why Addie is expected to do well in school.
Her mother was the valedictorian of her high school class and her father expects her to live up to that.
We took off our shoes to rub our feet, trying to keep warm in the drafty halls of the church...
What is the meaning of the word, drafty?
What does Addie do when it's lunch time on a school day?
She walks home to eat lunch or goes to Carla Mae's.
"I want a microscope set and cowboy boots."
Addie
What is the name of the Nebraska town Addie lives in?
Clear River
Describe Addie and her father's relationship.
They are not close and have a hard time communicating with one another.
I slowly dragged the tree down the snowy sidewalk and across the Cott's lawn and propped it up against their rickety porch railing.
What is the meaning of the word, rickety?wobbly, shaky, unsteady
How much did Miss Thompson's blue glass music box cost?
$4.25
"It's not my fault your Grandmother's an old character!"
Jerry Walsh
Where did Addie get into a fight with Jerry Walsh?
In the school cloakroom
How is Addie able to obtain a Christmas tree when her father refuses to buy one?
I didn't know why she was asking, but I put my hand up before I realized how embarrassing it would be. Surely I was the only one, and everyone spotted my hand before I could get it down, and I turned crimson.
What is the meaning of the word, crimson?
bright shade of red
What kind of shoes did Addie wear to school?
brown oxfords
"Sparkled like a star itself up there, even with you fussin' around tryin' to cover it up!"
Grandma
How is Addie's house different from Carla Mae's? Be specific.
Addie's house is quiet and small and only 3 family members live in it. Carla Mae's house is noisy and crowded with 8 family members living in it?
The tree reminds him of Addie's mother and he is still grieving her loss.
.......giggling and shoving and struggling out of our snow-caked galoshes and wet wool.
What is the meaning of the word, galoshes?
rubber boots or overshoes
What was the name of the cologne that Miss Thompson liked to wear?
Evening in Paris
"Been meaning to put this thing on sale for some time now. Glad I remembered to do it in time for Christmas."
Mr. Brady
How does Addie describe the small town she lives in? Be specific.
It is the type of town where everyone knows each other, who lives in each house, and who drives each car.
Name at least 3 things Addie learned about her mother. Be specific.
1. She resembled Addie.
2. She like to paint and draw.
3. She sang.
4. She liked to make things.
...and Grandma's, full of her stubby pencils and writing tablets and her ubiquitous scraps of paper.
What is the meaning of the word, ubiquitous?
scattered
What 1940's movie star had a hair style similar to Miss Thompson's?
Betty Grable