Brantford Public Library's Online Book Club discussion

By the second chapter we already have a fairly good understanding of many of the main characters and the role they play in Ivy's life. We gain insights to Ivy's character through her thoughts as she looks for her sister and cares for Nonnie and Baby William.

What were your first impressions of Ivy Hart? Had you formulated an opinion of her this early in the book?

My first thoughts were that she was a very responsible young girl. She seemed to be the only one in the family that was making sensible decisions. She also came across as very loving, the way she fussed over the baby and worried for her sister and her grandmother.

My first thoughts are of a girl who should be overwhelmed by her responsibilities but to her credit takes it all in stride. She is protective and caring to her nephew when it should be her sister who is the primary caretaker. It reminded me of pioneer stories where young children are forced to grow up quickly and take on adult responsibilities.

My heart went out to Ivy. So young and yet so much weight on her shoulders. You can't help but want to see good things happen for her.

Ivy seems so much older and yet naive at the same time. Seeming older makes sense seeing as she is the only one in the family who seems to be responsible for her Grandma's eating and health concerns as well as her nephew. She realizes and accepts that there is no use in trying to change her sister.