Characters & Relationships R
This person raised Maya and Bailey in Stamps, Arkansas.
Who is Momma (Grandmother)?
What is California?
Maya travels to this state to reunite with her mother.
What is puny?
This word means “inferior in size or importance,” used to describe the Tomkeys’ lives.
What is fascination/curiosity?
David feels this emotion when he watches the Tomkeys eat dinner.
What is differences in lifestyle or behavior?
The story explores how people judge others based on this.
Who is Vivian Baxter (her mother)?
Maya thinks this person looks like a movie star when she first sees her.
What does he became overjoyed / like a lost little boy found, mean?
Bailey reacts this way when he sees his mother again.
What is speculate?
This word means “to form an idea without good evidence.”
What is anger or embarrassment?
David feels this when the Tomkeys trick‑or‑treat on the wrong day.
What is self‑reflection leads to growth?
David learns this lesson when his mother tells him to “look at himself.”
Who is Bailey?
Maya believes this person will know what to do about calling their mother. or He is her brother.
What is go back to Stamps with her grandmother?
Maya asks to do this when she sees Bailey’s reunion with their mother.
What is void?
This word means “empty,” used to describe the teacher’s voice.
When is shame felt?
David feels this when he realizes he has been acting selfishly.
What is individuality/nonconformity?
The Tomkeys represent this idea about being different from society.
Who is Vivian Baxter?
This character dances alone in the middle of the floor when she feels like it. or Her mother.
What is to check on Uncle Willie?
This is the reason Momma says she must return to Arkansas.
What is indiscriminate?
This word means “done without careful judgment,” describing how David fears his mother will grab candy.
What is desperation/discomfort?
David’s mother feels this as she tries to make small talk about boat trailers.
: What is curiosity can turn into judgment? commonlit.org
David’s obsession with the Tomkeys shows this theme about curiosity.
What is “Lady”?
Maya chooses this name to call her mother because she thinks she is beautiful.
What is unsure / frozen / not knowing what to do?
Maya feels this way when her mother kisses her for the first time.
What is mutilate?
This word means “to alter or damage,” describing what David does to his candy.
What is resentment or hatred?
David experiences this shift after the candy incident, turning pity into something “hard and ugly.”
What is understanding others requires examining your own flaws first?
The ending suggests this message about empathy.