The Darkest Child

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2004

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Study Guide

Before You Read Beta

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-13

Chapters 14-23

Chapters 24-35

Chapters 36-48

Chapters 49-62

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools Beta

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

How do Rozelle and Zadie illustrate The Complexities of Mother-Daughter Relationships Within Troubled Families in ways that differ and overlap with Mushy, Tangy, and Tarabelle? Examine each of these relationships in your response.

Is Velman a rescuer of Martha Jean, a criminal for marrying a minor, or something in between? How does he embody the multiple layers of good and bad that many characters in the text hold, and which side, if any, does he lean toward?

How does the Quinn house symbolize the dynamics of the Quinn family? Consider its physical state as well as the feelings it evokes in the children, specifically Tangy.