Exposition
Where and when does the story take place
Elk Valley, CO, 1925
What must Ida take to go to high school?
The exit exam.
Who does Ida fear will tell Mr. Jordan about the secret school?
Mr. Bixler
Who calls a secret school board meeting?
Mr. Jordan
Everyone but who passes their exam?
Herbert.
What do Ida and Felix help with at home?
Chores
Why can Ms. Fletcher no longer teach?
Her mother is sick.
Why do the students pick Ida to be their teacher
She is the smartest student.
What do Tom and Ida do to let people know about the meeting.
Print circulars.
How does Ida feel at the end of the book?
Proud she accomplished her dream.
How does Tom get to school?
Donkey
Who do the children vote to become their new teacher?
Ida
What does Herbert tell Ida by the stream?
That he actually likes school and that Mr. Jordan is holding a secret meeting.
What happens to Ida the morning of the final exam?
The car gets stuck.
What does Ida receive that proves she passed the test?
A diploma.
What type of building do the students learn in?
One-room schoolhouse.
Why does Miss Sedgewick visit?
To get the names of the students taking the exit exam.
Why does Ida have a hard time doing her own homework?
She must balance teaching the other students and helping her family on the farm.
Does the School board allow the secret school to remain open?
Yes.
Who decides to let Ida stay with them while she attends high school?
Miss Sedgewick
What does Ida desperately want to do?
Go to high school.
What student does Ida have problems with, and what did they do?
Herbert Bixler.
Even if Ida passes the exam, why might she not be able to achieve her dream?
Her parents may not be able to pay for her to stay in town and they need her help with chores.
Why is education important to Ida?
Her dream is to become a teacher, and to do that, she must attend high school. Education prepares people for future careers, like becoming a teacher.
What does Herbert want to be when he grows up?
Navy