Kate DiCamillo gives hints throughout the narrative about the ending of the book—for example, Louisiana saying, “We’ll rescue each other” (87), Mrs. Sylvester saying, “Everything will be fine. It will all work out right in the end” (52), and the title of the book, Raymie Nightingale. What other examples of foreshadowing can you find, and why are they included?

Raymie and Mrs. Borkowski often wonder about the meaning of the life and the world. Does this story provide any answers?

How do you think the story would have turned out if Louisiana had not been able to persuade Beverly to go on the “rescue mission” for Archie?