Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Thought-provoking, Historical, Reflective, Confrontational
- Read it if
- You enjoy historical fiction for young readers that tackles complex moral dilemmas and challenges societal norms during wartime.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced action over character-driven stories with a focus on internal conflict and moral development.
Stepping on the Cracks Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Sixth Grade Troubles
In the fall of 1944, eleven-year-old Margaret starts sixth grade with her best friend, Elizabeth. The war in Europe is always present; both girls have brothers serving overseas – Margaret's brother, Jim, in the Navy, and Elizabeth's brother, Robert, in the Army. Their small town is very patriotic, but their main worry is Gordy Smith, the notorious sixth-grade bully, and his friends, Toad and Doug. Gordy's constant teasing, name-calling, and hitting make school a daily problem for Margaret, who is especially afraid of him. He targets her and Elizabeth, often making their walk home miserable. Margaret tries to avoid Gordy, but it usually doesn't work, and she feels more and more frustrated and shamed by him. She wishes she could stand up to him but lacks the courage.
A Plan for Revenge
The bullying gets worse when Gordy and his friends corner Margaret and Elizabeth, stealing Elizabeth's new pencil box and breaking Margaret's glasses. This event pushes the girls too far. Determined to get even, they make a plan. Their idea is to lure Gordy and his friends into the old abandoned house known as the 'Widow's House,' rumored to be haunted, and scare them. They think that if they can make Gordy afraid, he will stop bothering them. Margaret is nervous about the plan, but Elizabeth's determination and the desire for revenge overcome her fear. They carefully plan the details, hoping to get back at their tormentors and end the constant bullying that has bothered their school year.
The Haunted House Trap
Margaret and Elizabeth put their plan into action. They leave a trail of clues, including a note written in 'ghostly' handwriting, meant to make Gordy curious and lead him and his friends to the Widow's House. The boys, at first doubtful but interested in the dare, follow the trail. Margaret and Elizabeth hide inside the old house, waiting for them. As Gordy, Toad, and Doug carefully enter, the girls use various items – a white sheet, rattling chains, and eerie moans – to create a scary experience. Their efforts work; the boys are truly frightened, especially Gordy, who shows a rare moment of weakness. The girls watch, hidden, as the boys panic and run from the house in terror, believing they have seen a real ghost.
A Shocking Discovery
After the boys run off, Margaret and Elizabeth come out of their hiding spot, feeling victorious. As they leave the Widow's House, Margaret sees a small, worn photograph on the floor, dropped by one of the boys. It's a picture of a young boy, clearly Gordy, with a woman. But what really surprises her is a small, hand-drawn swastika on the back of the photo. This symbol, linked to the enemy in the war, deeply bothers Margaret. She shows it to Elizabeth, and they are both confused and shocked. The discovery immediately changes how they see Gordy, making them wonder about their bully and what this symbol could mean in their patriotic, war-focused world.
Confrontation and Explanation
Bothered by the swastika, Margaret decides to confront Gordy. She approaches him carefully, showing him the photograph. Gordy, at first defensive and angry, eventually breaks down and reveals a secret: his father is German, and his family has faced strong prejudice and discrimination because of their background, especially during the war. He explains that his father, Mr. Smith, had to change his name from Schmidt to avoid more harassment. The swastika, he clarifies, was drawn by another boy teasing him about his German background. Gordy's bullying, he admits, comes from his own pain, fear, and anger from being an outsider in his community, always targeted and misunderstood.
The Weight of Prejudice
Gordy's revelation makes Margaret and Elizabeth rethink everything they thought they knew about him. They learn about the subtle and open ways he and his family are excluded – whispers, cold shoulders, and clear hostility from neighbors and even teachers. Mr. Smith, Gordy's father, is a kind, quiet man, but his German origins make him a target of suspicion and hate in their small, very patriotic town. Gordy explains how his family lives in constant fear of being reported or further persecuted. This new understanding makes the girls feel guilty for their part in tormenting him, realizing that their revenge was based on a shallow understanding of his situation. They start to see him not just as a bully, but as a victim of prejudice.
A Shift in Perspective
The girls' view changes greatly. Margaret, who had been terrified of Gordy, now feels great pity and a growing sense of responsibility. Elizabeth, at first more hesitant, also comes to terms with the unfairness Gordy faces. They realize that their own patriotic passion, while understandable given the war, had blinded them to the humanity of someone seen as 'other.' Their desire for revenge disappears, replaced by deep empathy. They start to see Gordy's bullying as a desperate act of self-preservation and a cry for help, a way to put his own pain onto others. This realization challenges their deep-seated beliefs about right and wrong, making them face the complexities of human behavior and the harm of prejudice.
A Difficult Decision
Margaret and Elizabeth now face a moral problem: how can they help Gordy without revealing his secret and possibly putting his family in more danger? They understand that exposing his German background could lead to serious problems for the Smiths, especially during wartime when anti-German feelings are very high. They try to befriend Gordy, offering small acts of kindness, but they also realize that their individual efforts might not be enough. They discuss the situation, weighing the risks and benefits of speaking out versus staying silent. They feel the weight of this secret, understanding that their actions, or lack of action, could have big effects on Gordy and his family, testing their courage and their sense of justice.
Standing Up for Justice
Margaret gets a chance to act during a classroom discussion about the war. When a classmate makes a negative comment about Germans, implying they are all evil, Margaret, remembering Gordy's situation, can no longer stay silent. Despite her usual shyness and fear of conflict, she speaks up, saying that not all Germans are bad and that judging people by their nationality is wrong. Her unexpected words, though met with some confusion and discomfort from her peers and even her teacher, mark a big change in her character. It shows her growing courage and her commitment to supporting what she believes is right, even if it means going against popular opinion and risking her social standing.
The War's End and New Beginnings
As the war ends, the strong anti-German feeling in the town slowly lessens, though not completely. The community starts to focus on post-war rebuilding instead of wartime worries. Margaret and Elizabeth continue their quiet support of Gordy, and a hesitant friendship begins between them. While Gordy's family history mostly stays a secret, the girls' understanding and empathy help them with their relationship. Margaret, having found her voice and courage, feels a sense of personal growth. The story ends with the promise of a more tolerant future, as Margaret, Elizabeth, and Gordy, though still carrying their individual burdens, have learned about prejudice, compassion, and the complexities of human nature, hinting at a new chapter of understanding and acceptance.
Principal Figures
Margaret
Protagonist
A shy, empathetic girl who learns to overcome her fears and stand up for justice.
Margaret is an eleven-year-old girl, initially timid and easily intimidated by bullies like Gordy Smith. She loves her older brother, Jim, who is serving in the Navy, and shares the patriotic sentiments of her small town. Her initial fear of Gordy slowly transforms into a deep empathy as she uncovers his secret. She is thoughtful and struggles with moral dilemmas, often looking to her best friend, Elizabeth, for courage. Her journey is one of self-discovery, learning to challenge her preconceived notions and find her inner strength.
Relationships: Elizabeth (Best friend, confidante, source of courage); Gordy Smith (Initially tormentor, later object of empathy and friend); Jim (Older brother, serving in the Navy, admired)
Elizabeth
Supporting
Margaret's best friend, more outgoing and impulsive, who helps Margaret find her courage.
Elizabeth is Margaret's best friend, more assertive and adventurous. She is quicker to anger and more eager for revenge against Gordy Smith. She often pushes Margaret to be braver and more daring. Like Margaret, she is deeply patriotic and has a brother, Robert, fighting in the war. Elizabeth's initial desire for retribution eventually gives way to understanding and compassion as she learns about Gordy's struggles. She is a loyal friend and a strong influence on Margaret, providing both support and a sense of daring.
Relationships: Margaret (Best friend, partner in crime, confidante); Gordy Smith (Initially tormentor, later object of empathy and friend); Robert (Older brother, serving in the Army)
Gordy Smith
Antagonist/Supporting
The school bully, whose aggressive behavior masks a deep personal pain and fear of prejudice.
Gordy Smith is the primary antagonist in the early part of the story, a sixth-grade bully who torments Margaret and Elizabeth. He is aggressive, quick to anger, and uses intimidation to assert dominance. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a vulnerable boy suffering from the prejudice directed at his German family during World War II. His bullying is a defensive mechanism, a way to cope with the constant fear and ostracization he experiences. His revelation about his family's secret humanizes him, transforming him from a villain into a sympathetic figure.
Relationships: Margaret (Initially tormentor, later recipient of empathy and friend); Elizabeth (Initially tormentor, later recipient of empathy and friend); Mr. Smith (Father) (Loving father, target of prejudice)
Mr. Smith
Supporting
Gordy's German father, a quiet and kind man who faces discrimination due to his heritage.
Mr. Smith is Gordy's father, a German immigrant who changed his name from Schmidt to avoid persecution. He is a quiet, hardworking man who loves his family but carries the heavy burden of being an 'enemy alien' during wartime. He and his family endure silent prejudice and open hostility from their community. His gentle nature contrasts sharply with the anger his son displays, highlighting the different ways individuals cope with discrimination. His presence underscores the pervasive nature of prejudice and its impact on innocent families.
Relationships: Gordy Smith (Father and son, sharing the burden of prejudice)
Toad
Supporting
One of Gordy's sidekicks, less malicious than Gordy but still participates in the bullying.
Toad is one of Gordy Smith's two loyal followers. He is not as actively malicious as Gordy but goes along with the bullying, often out of a desire to fit in or fear of Gordy himself. He is part of the group that is scared by Margaret and Elizabeth in the Widow's House. Toad represents the followers who enable bullying but may not fully grasp the emotional impact of their actions.
Relationships: Gordy Smith (Follower, friend); Doug (Friend, fellow sidekick)
Doug
Supporting
Another of Gordy's sidekicks, who participates in the bullying.
Doug is the other of Gordy Smith's two sidekicks, much like Toad. He is part of the trio that bullies Margaret and Elizabeth and is present during the Widow's House prank. His role is to reinforce Gordy's actions and provide a sense of numerical superiority for the bullies. He does not exhibit much independent thought or action, primarily serving as a background character who contributes to the atmosphere of intimidation.
Relationships: Gordy Smith (Follower, friend); Toad (Friend, fellow sidekick)
Jim
Mentioned
Margaret's older brother, serving in the Navy during the war.
Jim is Margaret's older brother, serving in the Navy during World War II. He is a source of pride and worry for Margaret and her family. His letters home connect the personal struggles of the characters to the larger conflict of the war, reinforcing the patriotic atmosphere of the town. Though not physically present, his service shapes Margaret's initial worldview and her understanding of heroism and sacrifice.
Relationships: Margaret (Younger sister)
Robert
Mentioned
Elizabeth's older brother, serving in the Army during the war.
Robert is Elizabeth's older brother, serving in the Army during World War II. Similar to Jim, he represents the personal stake the girls have in the war and contributes to the patriotic fervor of the community. His service highlights the shared experiences of families during wartime and the constant anxiety of having loved ones in harm's way. He is a background figure whose service influences Elizabeth's initial strong anti-German sentiments.
Relationships: Elizabeth (Younger sister)
Themes & Insights
Prejudice and Discrimination
The novel clearly shows how prejudice, fueled by wartime fear, can target innocent people. Gordy Smith and his family face strong discrimination because of their German heritage, even though they are loyal to America. This is shown through the whispers, cold shoulders, and clear hostility the Smiths experience, forcing them to live in fear and secrecy. Margaret and Elizabeth's initial anti-German feelings, born of patriotism, are challenged when they learn Gordy's secret, making them confront the unfairness of judging people by their ethnicity rather than their character. The scene where Margaret speaks up against a classmate's prejudiced remarks in class is a key moment showing the fight against this theme.
“It was one thing to hate Hitler and the Nazis, but it was another to hate all Germans.”
Empathy and Compassion
A main theme is how empathy can change things. Margaret and Elizabeth first see Gordy as just a bully, deserving of their revenge. But after learning his family's secret and the pain he suffers from prejudice, their hatred turns into deep understanding and compassion. This change in view allows them to see Gordy not as an enemy, but as another person suffering. Their new empathy makes them protect him and eventually leads Margaret to speak out against prejudice. This shows how understanding another's struggles can lead to a deeper sense of humanity and moral responsibility.
“I looked at Gordy Smith, the bully, and saw Gordy Smith, the boy who was afraid.”
Courage and Standing Up for What's Right
The novel follows Margaret's journey from a shy, fearful girl to someone who finds the courage to stand up for justice. At first, she is too scared to confront Gordy about his bullying. But after learning his secret, her fear becomes a moral duty. Her act of speaking out against prejudice in class, despite her shyness and possible social consequences, shows her new courage. This theme highlights that true bravery isn't not being afraid, but choosing to act despite fear, especially when defending those who are vulnerable or unfairly targeted.
“It was harder to stand up for someone than to laugh at them.”
The Impact of War on the Homefront
While the war is fought overseas, its effects strongly influence the small American town. The constant presence of brothers fighting, the patriotic feeling, and the collective anxiety shape the community's attitudes. This theme is clear in the strong anti-German sentiment that directly affects Gordy's family. The war creates an environment where fear and suspicion can easily turn into prejudice against those seen as 'other,' even loyal citizens. It shows how national conflicts can create divisions and unfairness within a seemingly unified society, making people deal with complex moral questions in their daily lives.
“The war was everywhere, even in our own town, even in our own school.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Widow's House
A dilapidated, rumored-to-be-haunted house used as a setting for the girls' revenge and a place of discovery.
The Widow's House serves as a crucial setting for the story's turning point. Initially, it's a place of mystery and fear, a perfect backdrop for Margaret and Elizabeth's prank to scare Gordy. Its dilapidated state and local legends contribute to the eerie atmosphere. More importantly, it is within this house, after the prank, that Margaret discovers the photograph with the swastika, directly leading to the unraveling of Gordy's secret. The house thus functions as both a catalyst for the girls' revenge and the site of a shocking revelation that shifts the entire narrative.
The Swastika Photograph
A seemingly innocent photograph with a hidden, disturbing symbol that reveals Gordy's secret.
The photograph of Gordy with a woman, and specifically the swastika drawn on its back, acts as the primary inciting incident for Margaret's change of heart and the story's central conflict. It's a powerful symbol that initially evokes fear and confusion in Margaret, tying Gordy directly to the enemy in her mind. However, its true significance is only revealed through Gordy's explanation, transforming it from a symbol of hate into a tragic marker of his family's suffering and the prejudice they endure. It is the tangible evidence that forces Margaret to question her assumptions.
First-Person Narration (Margaret's Perspective)
The story is told entirely through Margaret's eyes, allowing for intimate insight into her emotional and moral development.
Telling the story from Margaret's first-person perspective is a key device. It allows the reader to intimately experience her initial fear of Gordy, her internal struggles with the revenge plan, and her profound moral awakening after discovering Gordy's secret. This perspective makes her journey of empathy and courage deeply personal and relatable. We witness her changing perceptions of Gordy and her community firsthand, making her eventual decision to stand up against prejudice all the more impactful as it stems from her own evolving understanding.
The War (World War II)
The historical backdrop of World War II, which fuels patriotism and simultaneously intensifies prejudice.
World War II is not just a backdrop but a crucial plot device that shapes the characters' motivations and the story's central conflict. The war fosters intense patriotism in the town, which in turn fuels anti-German sentiment. This societal atmosphere directly leads to the discrimination faced by Gordy's family. The war provides the context for the initial hatred towards Gordy and the moral dilemma Margaret faces. Its eventual end also signals a potential for healing and a shift in societal attitudes, allowing for a more hopeful resolution for the characters.
Stepping on the Cracks Quotes
“I didn't know what to make of her, or how to act around her. She was like a wild thing, beautiful and dangerous.”
“It's funny how some people just walk into your life and change everything, even when you don't want them to.”
“Sometimes the things you're most afraid of turn out to be the things that save you.”
“The past isn't always gone. Sometimes it just waits for you to catch up.”
“There are some things you just know, deep down, even if no one tells you.”
“Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you do what needs to be done even when you are.”
“Grown-ups don't always tell you everything, even when they think they're protecting you.”
“Some cracks are too big to step over. You have to learn to live with them, or find a way around.”
“It was strange how a small house could hold so many secrets, so much sadness, and still stand.”
“You can't really know someone until you know their story.”
“The world doesn't stop just because your heart feels like it's broken.”
“Sometimes, the best way to find out who you are is to help someone else find out who they are.”
“It was like a puzzle, and Annie was the missing piece, the one that made everything else make sense.”
“Silence can be louder than any scream when it's full of things left unsaid.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What historical event serves as the backdrop for the story in 'Stepping on the Cracks'?
- The Great Depression
- World War I
- World War II
- The Cold War
Show answer
C. World War II The story is set during World War II, with characters having brothers fighting overseas against Hitler, which fuels their patriotism.
Question 2
Who is the main bully that Margaret and Elizabeth try to get revenge on?
- Toad
- Doug
- Gordy Smith
- Mr. Henderson
Show answer
C. Gordy Smith Gordy Smith is explicitly named as the 'worst bully in sixth grade' who torments Margaret and Elizabeth.
Question 3
What is the initial motivation for Margaret and Elizabeth to plan revenge against Gordy?
- He stole their lunch money.
- He teased and tormented them, growing bolder over time.
- He spread rumors about their families.
- He damaged their property.
Show answer
B. He teased and tormented them, growing bolder over time. The summary states that Gordy 'teases and torments them, and Margaret is scared to death of him. But when Gordy and his pals Toad and Doug grow bolder than ever, Margaret and Elizabeth come up with a daring plan to get even.'
Question 4
What unexpected discovery do Margaret and Elizabeth make about Gordy that 'turns their lives upside-down'?
- He is secretly a brilliant student.
- He has a hidden talent for art.
- He is hiding a shocking secret about his home life or family.
- He is planning to move away.
Show answer
C. He is hiding a shocking secret about his home life or family. The summary indicates that 'That's when the girls discover a shocking secret about Gordy that turns their lives upside-down,' implying a significant personal revelation.
Question 5
How do Margaret and Elizabeth feel about their brothers fighting in the war at the beginning of the story?
- They are worried and fearful for their safety.
- They are filled with feelings of patriotism.
- They are indifferent to the war.
- They resent their brothers for leaving.
Show answer
B. They are filled with feelings of patriotism. The text states, 'Margaret and her best friend Elizabeth both have brothers fighting the war against Hitler and, like everyone else they know, they are filled with feelings of patriotism.'
Question 6
What is the primary internal conflict Margaret faces regarding Gordy at the start of the story?
- She feels sorry for him.
- She is scared to death of him.
- She is secretly impressed by his bravery.
- She wants to be his friend.
Show answer
B. She is scared to death of him. The summary explicitly mentions, 'Margaret is scared to death of him,' referring to Gordy Smith.
Question 7
The discovery about Gordy leads Margaret and Elizabeth into a confrontation with what aspects of their lives?
- Their teachers and school principal.
- Their own strongly held ideas, family, and friends.
- The local police and justice system.
- Soldiers returning from the war.
Show answer
B. Their own strongly held ideas, family, and friends. The text states the discovery 'draws them into a startling confrontation with family, friends...and their own strongly held ideas.'
Question 8
What does the title 'Stepping on the Cracks' most likely symbolize in the context of the story's themes?
- The physical danger of playing on sidewalks.
- Challenging conventional beliefs and societal norms, or uncovering hidden truths.
- The fragility of childhood friendships.
- A literal game the children play.
Show answer
B. Challenging conventional beliefs and societal norms, or uncovering hidden truths. Given the plot involves discovering a 'shocking secret' and confronting 'strongly held ideas,' 'stepping on the cracks' metaphorically suggests going against established norms, revealing vulnerabilities, or challenging perceived perfection.
Question 9
How does the girls' initial 'personal war at home' against Gordy evolve after they learn his secret?
- It intensifies, leading to more aggressive retaliation.
- It shifts from a desire for revenge to a moral dilemma and a challenge to their understanding of justice.
- It is completely forgotten as they focus on the war overseas.
- They involve their parents to mediate the conflict.
Show answer
B. It shifts from a desire for revenge to a moral dilemma and a challenge to their understanding of justice. The discovery of a 'shocking secret' and the subsequent confrontation with 'family, friends...and their own strongly held ideas' implies a shift from simple revenge to a more complex moral and ethical challenge, redefining their 'war'.
Question 10
What is a central theme explored when Margaret and Elizabeth's 'strongly held ideas' are challenged?
- The importance of strict adherence to rules and authority.
- The complexity of judging others and understanding hidden struggles.
- The thrill of seeking revenge at any cost.
- The superiority of patriotism over personal empathy.
Show answer
B. The complexity of judging others and understanding hidden struggles. The confrontation with their 'strongly held ideas' after discovering a 'shocking secret' about a bully strongly suggests a theme of understanding hidden struggles, empathy, and the complexity of moral judgments, rather than simple black-and-white perspectives.
Stepping on the Cracks FAQ
What is the primary setting and time period of 'Stepping on the Cracks'?
'Stepping on the Cracks' is set in a small American town during World War II, specifically in 1944. The wartime atmosphere, with its rationing, patriotism, and anxieties about soldiers overseas, heavily influences the daily lives of Margaret and Elizabeth.
Who are the main protagonists, and what are their initial motivations?
The main protagonists are Margaret and her best friend Elizabeth. Initially, their primary motivation is to get revenge on Gordy Smith, the school bully, who relentlessly teases and torments them, especially Margaret, who is terrified of him.
How does the war impact Margaret and Elizabeth's lives directly?
Both Margaret and Elizabeth have older brothers serving in the war against Hitler, which brings a constant undercurrent of worry and patriotism to their lives. They experience rationing and are immersed in the nationalistic fervor, initially viewing the war and its participants in very black-and-white terms.
What is the 'daring plan' Margaret and Elizabeth devise to get even with Gordy?
Margaret and Elizabeth decide to break into Gordy's house to steal something valuable or embarrassing, hoping to humiliate him as he has humiliated them. They meticulously plan their entry and escape, believing this act will finally give them satisfaction and peace from his bullying.
What shocking secret do the girls discover about Gordy Smith?
While breaking into Gordy's house, Margaret and Elizabeth discover a hidden room in the attic where Gordy's older brother, Frank, is secretly living. Frank is a deserter from the U.S. Army, hiding from authorities, which is a profound shock given the wartime patriotism.
What is the significance of the 'cracks' in the book's title?
The 'cracks' symbolize the breaks in the perfect, patriotic facade of the community and the idealized view of the war and its heroes. They represent the imperfections, hidden truths, and moral ambiguities that Margaret and Elizabeth discover, challenging their previously held beliefs about good and evil.
How does Frank's presence challenge Margaret's understanding of heroism and duty?
Frank's desertion directly contradicts Margaret's patriotic upbringing and her admiration for her own brother serving overseas. She is forced to confront the complexities of war, the pressures on soldiers, and the idea that not all 'heroes' fit the conventional mold, or that some actions, while seemingly unpatriotic, might stem from valid reasons.
What role do Gordy's friends, Toad and Doug, play in the narrative?
Toad and Doug are Gordy's loyal, if somewhat less intelligent, sidekicks who participate in his bullying. They serve to amplify Gordy's menace and provide a group dynamic to the initial conflict. Their presence also makes the girls' plan to break into Gordy's house more daunting.
How does Margaret's initial fear of Gordy evolve throughout the story?
Initially, Margaret is paralyzed by fear of Gordy, viewing him as a purely evil antagonist. This fear slowly transforms into a complex mix of pity, understanding, and even a form of protectiveness once she discovers his secret and the burden he carries, realizing his bullying is a symptom of his own distress.
Discuss the psychological impact of keeping Frank's secret on Gordy.
Keeping Frank's desertion a secret places an immense psychological burden on Gordy, fueling his anger, isolation, and need for control, which manifests as bullying. He is under constant stress, fearing discovery and struggling with the shame and responsibility, explaining his aggressive behavior.
How does Elizabeth's psychological response to Frank differ from Margaret's?
Elizabeth is generally more pragmatic and less emotionally conflicted than Margaret. While initially shocked, she tends to focus on the practicalities and risks of the situation, often pushing Margaret to make decisions or take action. She struggles less with the moral ambiguities surrounding Frank's desertion, but still shows empathy.
How do the girls' actions regarding Frank demonstrate a shift in their moral compass?
By choosing to protect Frank and Gordy, Margaret and Elizabeth consciously defy societal expectations and wartime patriotism. They prioritize human empathy and the understanding of individual circumstances over rigid rules and nationalistic fervor, demonstrating a newfound moral complexity.
What is the central moral dilemma faced by Margaret and Elizabeth?
The central moral dilemma is whether to expose Frank as a deserter, upholding their patriotic duty and societal expectations, or to protect him and Gordy, an act of compassion that goes against the prevailing wartime sentiment and carries significant risks for them and the Smith family.
How does the book challenge the black-and-white perception of good and evil, especially during wartime?
The book challenges simplistic views by revealing that the 'bully,' Gordy, is suffering and burdened, and the 'deserter,' Frank, has complex reasons for his actions. It suggests that even in a 'just war,' individuals face difficult choices and that heroism and villainy are not always clear-cut, forcing the characters to grapple with moral gray areas.
In what ways does Margaret's relationship with her own brother influence her feelings about Frank?
Margaret's deep love and concern for her own brother, who is fighting overseas, makes Frank's desertion particularly jarring and initially incomprehensible. However, her empathy for her brother also allows her to eventually understand the immense pressure and fear soldiers face, fostering a reluctant compassion for Frank.
What message about forgiveness and understanding does the book convey?
The book strongly conveys that forgiveness and understanding are crucial, especially when facing complex situations. Margaret's journey from hating Gordy to understanding his pain, and her eventual empathy for Frank, highlights the importance of looking beyond initial judgments to find the humanity in others, even those who act in ways deemed wrong.
How does the ending of the book resolve the conflict, and what lasting impact does it have on the characters?
The ending sees Frank eventually surrendering, but with the girls' help, he is treated with some leniency, allowing him to serve in a non-combat role. This experience profoundly changes Margaret and Elizabeth, maturing their understanding of justice, compassion, and the complexities of human nature, leaving them with a deeper, more nuanced view of the world.
About the author
Mary Downing Hahn is an American author known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature, particularly in the genre of ghost stories. Some of her notable works include "Wait Till Helen Comes," "The Old Willis Place," and "The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall," which often explore themes of friendship and the supernatural. Her writing has garnered a dedicated readership and critical attention over the years.
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