BEFORE READING

Remember all of Hope's efforts in the quest for a "father figure."
Think about how the characters have changed in the novel.
Review your RESPONSE JOURNAL entries for Chapter 18.

DURING READING

Look for what G.T. does with trees again to teach a lesson.
See how the author continues to emphasize the "lesson of the Welcome Stairways."

AFTER READING

Find and LIST G.T.'s first three actions as mayor.
Write a main idea title for this chapter.
Details can also be important. Reread to find out:

What color is Addie's wedding dress?
What new title will Addie have now?

Answer the following in your RESPONSE JOURNAL:

What does G.T. ask Hope that both shocks her and pleases her?
What does the phrase "the Cliff Notes version" mean? (p. 171)
Why does Hope say G.T's answer is "exactly what a father should say."?

Explain and demonstrate what G.T. does with the two little trees he wants to grow.

What is this process called?
What is the symbolic meaning of this for Hope?

Reread to find what question G.T. asks Hope after school every day. What does this tell us about his attitude?
Reread p. 175 - 176. List / Summarize five or six (5 or 6) things G.T. was accomplishing as the new Mayor of Mulhoney.
Why does Hope keep using the word "we" on p. 176?