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After Melinda’s experience at the party over the summer, she responds in various ways that indicate her trauma level. In what ways does Melinda show that she is traumatized? Why does she react in these ways?

Many different factors compound to make Melinda’s life more difficult and increase her emotional stress. What are these factors, and how are they hinted at throughout the novel?

Melinda’s home life is complicated and a source of stress and fear for Melinda. How does Melinda’s family dynamic influence her reaction to her traumatic experience over the summer? Why does Melinda find it so difficult to tell her parents the truth?