Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions
1. Define homelessness. Is Georgina's homelessness similar to or different from what you've thought homelessness was? How is it similar/different?
2. Georgina knows that stealing the dog is wrong, but she does it anyway. Have you ever done something that you knew was wrong because you felt you had no other choice? How did you feel after doing it?
3. Why do you think Georgina doesn't tell her teacher or her best friend, Luanne, about her situation?
4. How does Luanne react to Georgina and her changed appearance and personality? If you were Luanne and knew there was something wrong with your friend, what do you think you would do?
5. What role does Mookie play in the story? Compare and contrast Mookie's homelessness with Georgina's situation.
6. Mookie says to Georgina, "Sometimes, the more you stir it, the worse it stinks" (p. 134). What do you think this means?
7. At the end of the story, things get better for Georgina. Her family is living in a house again, Willie is back home with his owner, and Carmella forgives Georgina for stealing her dog. Finally, Georgina determines that stealing a dog is not a good idea. Do you think Georgina learned a lesson from her experience? If so, what is the lesson that she learned?