1. Discuss the meaning of the spiritual and metaphorical events that happened while Eddie and Cindy lived on the farm in Cedartown, GA. Have you had a similar experience?

2. In the beginning of the story, Hank was sympathetic towards Cindy and Eddie and seemed more hesitant to harm the children. Why do you think Hank’s demeanor changed making him just as abusive towards the children as Elaine?

3. Aunt Elaine and Uncle Hank had their own two children that they never mistreated, yet found that is was ok to physically and emotionally abuse Eddie and Cindy. Why do you feel they were this way? This often happens in other households. Why do you feel abusers seek out specific children to mistreat?

4. In the chapter “Compassion for the Coward,” Eddie said he learned compassion for his Uncle Hank. Please explain what Eddie means by this. After the events of that chapter do you feel Hank is worthy of compassion?

5. At completion of the custody battle Cindy was granted the right to stay with her grandparents and escape the abuse she endured at home; yet she chose to give up this freedom and stay behind with Eddie. Do you think she made the right decision? Would you have done the same? Explain.

6. Why do you think that unlike many children in similar situations, Eddie was able to sense that the way he was treated by his foster family was wrong?

7. In the “Moral of My Stories” author Bryan Nash talks about the love, toleration, and patience he learned from his experience as an abused child. Bryan has even recently started a foundation to help other children at risk of abuse and neglect. What are the more unfortunate effects of child abuse on its victims as they grow to be adults in today’s society? What steps can victims of abuse take to overcome these effects as Bryan did?

8. How has the Unites States Child Protection Services and foster care system changed over the past 40-50 years? What improvements do you feel can still be made?

9. What efforts are going on in your community to help children that are victims of abuse and neglect? How can you help?