Wish

Many of Charlie’s wish scenarios involve birds, either seeing them or hearing them. Why did Barbara O’Connor make this narrative choice? Do the birds symbolize a larger thematic element?

O’Connor identifies Scrappy’s problem in the narrative, but she leaves the specific details of Carla’s issue less clear. What do you think is the specific nature of Carla’s parenting deficiencies? Why did O’Connor choose to be more nebulous with those details?

Howard is a boy wise beyond his years. What aspects of his life have given him such a sage and astute worldview? Discuss O’Connor’s exploration of a child with physical disabilities and the degree to which you think her portrayal is successful or not.

Analyze the character of Audrey Mitchell. What is it about her that bothers Charlie so much? Explain the change in attitude towards Audrey that occurs when Charlie sees the lunchbox note.

Discuss the theme of family relationships, particularly sibling relationships, as it is explored throughout the novel. Consider Charlie’s relationship with Jackie, Howard’s relationship with his brothers, and Bertha’s strained relationship with Carla.

Discuss Bertha’s approach to parenting. Does she respond appropriately to Charlie’s outbursts? How does Bertha’s character display the sensitive nature of foster parenting?

Discuss O’Connor’s choice to use Charlie as the first-person narrator in the story. How might the tone change with an omniscient (or all-knowing) narration?

How does the narrative address the issue of bullying? Discuss the overlap between Charlie’s anger issues and explosive outbursts and her classmates’ cruel treatment toward her and Howard. Is Charlie a bully too sometimes?