Characters
This character is the protagonist and Monday’s best friend who refuses to give up on finding her.
Who is Claudia
The shocking revelation about how long Monday has been missing.
What is over a year?
This theme is explored through the way Monday’s disappearance is overlooked by authorities and the community.
What is neglect of missing Black children?
This color represents Monday’s absence and is a recurring symbol throughout the novel.
What is red?
The city where the story takes place.
What is Washington, D.C.?
This character is Monday’s little brother, who also mysteriously disappears.
Who is August
The reason why Claudia struggles with time and memory throughout the book.
What is dissociation and trauma?
This theme highlights the importance of friendship and unwavering loyalty.
What is the power of friendship?
This object, which Claudia associates with Monday, reminds her of their bond and childhood.
What is a diary/journal?
The place where Claudia first realizes Monday is missing.
What is school?
This adult figure in Claudia’s life is supportive and helps her search for Monday.
Who is Claudia’s mother, boyfriend, teacher
The location where Monday’s remains are ultimately found.
What is her freezer?
Monday’s home life is an example of this painful reality that affects many children.
What is child abuse?
Claudia’s struggles in school symbolize this larger challenge in her life.
What is feeling unheard and overlooked?
The type of school Claudia attends.
What is a private school?
This character is Monday’s mother, who has a questionable and secretive attitude toward her daughter’s disappearance.
Who is Mrs. Charles?
The way Claudia discovers the truth about Monday’s fate.
What is through a newspaper article?
Claudia’s struggle with expressing her emotions relates to this psychological theme.
What is trauma and coping mechanisms?
The use of a non-linear timeline symbolizes this aspect of trauma and grief.
What is memory distortion?
The place where Monday and Claudia used to hang out.
What is the library?
This teacher starts to take Claudia’s concerns about Monday’s disappearance seriously.
Who is Ms. Valente?
The mental condition that causes Claudia to confuse past and present events.
What is PTSD?
The novel’s non-linear timeline reflects this theme about how we process difficult events.
What is the distortion of memory?
This season represents both the beginning and the unraveling of Monday’s mystery.
What is summer?
Where Claudia spends the summer before realizing something is wrong with Monday.
What is Georgia?