If the principal had not banned buttons, how might the button fad have ended, and why? How might have the fad have transformed and continued to influence Grace, Ellie, and Hank? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Compare and contrast Grace’s friendships with Hank and Ellie. What lessons do Hank and Ellie help Grace to learn, and how does each character help her to grow and mature? Which friendship rings truer, and why?

Does the resolution of the feud between Grace and Ellie feel genuine? Why or why not? If so, what elements of the story make it seem realistic? If not, what details keep it from feeling real, and how could Clements have altered the story to make it more genuine? Support your answer with evidence from the text.