Respond to these in your journal.
Velma says it took years to realize that her mother had every right to be her own person. How do you see your mother? What is her role? Do you expect her to have her own goals and dreams?
What is ironic about Aunt Dorothy thinking that white people were okay and that people of colour were not?
The last line of the chapter says, “Awaiting there was more responsibility than I had ever known.” What are your predictions for chapter 13?
Discuss the phrase: “Being unsupervised at home, it never occurred to us that in the outside world there were rules we were expected to obey.”
When Velma's dad was still alive, there were strict rules. Now, there were no rules. Her mother was using the welfare check at the local liquor store. With adults drinking, young people were free to do what they want. What problems can happen in this situation?
Barry did the indoor chores and Velma did the outdoor chores. Kids teased them about this. When you were young, were there different chores for boys and girls?
What's the significance of Velma's mother wearing pants?
Debate: Around the room put up two signs: Dry Community and Not Dry Community. Explain that a dry community is a community that does not allow alcohol. Ask learners to decide which community they would prefer to live in. Ask them to present their arguments to the rest of the class.