Part 3

4 Questions

1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
A: what was unique about the setting was that it took place in Kenya, Africa. Eric Walters went into great detail when describing it. it enhanced the story beacuse i've never read a book that took place in Africa and it was neat to "see" the new lanscape and how the elephants just walk right by you. i thought it was interesting how he wrote it while he was actually there, almost putting himself in the place of Alexandria. the story was really enhanced with all the detail Walters went into, i think him being there and experiencing it really made a huge difference compared to someone who just researched a place. Eric Walters brought the setting to life. he even has footage of the scenery he describes in the book.
2. How do Characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
A: Alexandria Hyatt is the main character and she changes so much throughout the course of the book. she grows emotionally, and mentally. she transforms into a whole new person by the end. it's incredable to see her do such a 360. Alexandria becomes nicer and kinder. she is friendlier, a harder worker, and generous. instead of looking down on people, she now tries to help raise them up. the events that trigger Alexandria's drastic transformation would start with her tour of the classes of children that they're building the school for. when she see's such poverty yet smiles, Alexandria is stricken. the next thing that helped transform Alexandria would be one very special teenage girl. Ruth. Ruth would eat lunch with Alexandria almost every day. Ruth taught Alexandria the culture and customs of the people in Kenya. Also i believe Renee had a part in Alexandria's transformation. all those smug smiles egged Alexandria enough to push her into proving she can do what everyone else is doing. and finnally the moment that changed Alexandria's life forever, and made her a hero....well you'll have to read the book to find out about that one. but it did  help in the final process of Alexandria's transformation, as well as show us how much she has changed.
3. did certain parts of the book make you uncomfortable? if so, why did you feel that way? did this lead to a new understanding or awareness?
A: when Alexandria was witnessing first hand the diffence between her lifestyle and that of the people in Kenya, i was felling like Alexandria. also again when Ruth brought Alexandria back to her village for dinner. but in reading this it appeard that the kids were smiling and happy. that this is life to them. they don't know of anything richer or great. they're just having fun and enjoying the life they're given. it made me realize not to think of them as having lesser in possesion but have a greater understanding in life and how they enjoy it with the little things they have.
4. How is this book uniquely Canadian and how might it speak differently to Canadians than people in other countries? And/Or how does this book not depend on nationality?
A: this book does not depend on nationality because anyone anywhere can volunteer to do charity work anywhere in the world. there are a lot of organizations do charity work internationally, and a lot of places needing charity work and help. i don't neccessarily think this book would speak more to one country than to another, other than some coiuntries being more equippepd to help out in other countries, and some countries not having the means to help others, and then there are the countries that need the help. this book applies to anyine anywhere, and is a great message and motivator for everyone. though it's reader base is more for teenage girls, it's message can be translated into the right way  fro the right reader.