The Year of Miss Agnes

Over the course of the book, Fred learns a lot about herself and the world. How do the changes Fred undergoes show larger themes in the book? What moments are particularly important to Fred's changing understanding?

How does the setting of The Year of Miss Agnes affect the development of the story? Discuss both the year (1948) and the place (rural Alaska) in your response.

How does Fred view her place in the world at the beginning of the story? How does this change over the course of the book? Use multiple quotes from the text to illustrate your point.

Why does Miss Agnes return at the end? Support your thesis by explaining how it shows larger themes of the book, using textual support.

Pick one of the schoolchildren in the book other than Fred and Bokko and describe their primary talent. How would Miss Agnes's lessons help them develop their talent? Use examples from the text to support your argument.

Discuss the significance of Bokko coming to school. What does this show about the village? What does it show about Miss Agnes?

What claims does the book make about the blending of cultures? Does the author believe that this is a positive or negative experience—or does it depend? If so, what does it depend on and why?

Explain the traditions and structures of the village, focusing particularly on the importance of family. Then, explain Miss Agnes's role in the village.