Wolf Hollow

Prologue-Chapter 9

Reading Check

1. Betty Glengarry (Chapter 1)

2. A penny (Chapter 4)

3. Toby (Chapter 6)

4. A rock (Chapter 7)

5. The Turtle Stone (Chapter 9)

Short Answer

1. Wolf Hollow is named because the community used to dig pits to catch wolves in the hollows. Annabelle’s grandfather believes wolves are wild animals that can never be tamed. (Chapter 1)

2. Newcomer Betty Glengarry quickly develops a reputation for bullying the other kids in the community. She throws spitballs in Annabelle’s hair and threatens to beat her if Annabelle will not produce something of value from her house. Annabelle produces a penny, but Betty, unsatisfied, beats Annabelle. Toby first intervenes when Betty crushes a quail before Annabelle’s eyes. Betty appears smug about her encounter with Toby. She later accuses Toby of shooting Ruth’s eye out. (Various chapters)

3. Toby does not show kindness in a conventional way, by speaking and nonverbal gestures; instead, he shows kindness through action. He defends Annabelle when she is in trouble, carries Annabelle home when she sprains her ankle, and helps with the pumpkin harvest. (Various chapters)

4. Betty is initially sent to live with her grandparents because of her poor behavior. She seems to find satisfaction in beating, hurting, and irritating those around her. Additionally, she often lies to remove blame from herself. Betty indicates that her father is gone but does not clarify the reason behind his disappearance. (Various chapters)

5. The townspeople are uncertain of who may have hit Ruth in the eye until Betty claims to have seen Toby do it. They believe Mr. Ansel was the target since he is German, and there is anti-German sentiment in the United States because of World War II.

Chapters 10-18

Reading Check

1. Toby (Chapter 10)

2. Turtle Stone (Chapter 13)

3. The barn hayloft (Chapter 14)

4. By trimming and cutting his hair (Chapter 17)

5. Andy (Chapter 18)

Short Answer

1. Betty, realizing that Toby has not been arrested, stages her disappearance after she accuses Toby to frame him and ensure the townspeople believe he is responsible for what happened to Ruth and to her. (Various chapters)

2. It appears Toby is guilty when Betty blames him for hitting Ruth. The townspeople draw the natural conclusion that Toby kidnapped Betty in retaliation. The police also realize that Toby has been taking pictures of Annabelle. The fact that Betty was supposed to meet up with Andy at Turtle Stone further implicates Toby as he mentioned the location earlier in the novel. He confesses to Annabelle he has done some bad things and refers to Betty in the past tense, indicating he may know she is dead.

3. Toby is not well-spoken, well-kempt, or overtly friendly to the townspeople. His reclusive and unusual behaviors, such as carrying guns that no longer work, make him an easy target for Betty. (Various chapters)

4. Toby initially gives Annabelle vague statements such as saying he has done “some bad things,” but he begins to open up to Annabelle as she attempts to rescue him from the townspeople. He tells Annabelle that he saw Betty throw the rock that injured Ruth and saw Betty trip her younger brother. Additionally, Toby opens up about his scars and the painful stories of his time during World War I. (Various chapters)

5. Annabelle risks punishment by aiding Toby even though others may see her actions as wrong. She knows that Betty is likely responsible for the ridicule Toby faces, and she makes a plan to rescue Toby. (Various chapters)

Chapters 19-27

Reading Check

1. Toby disguised as Jordan (Chapter 19)

2. Sarah/her mother (Chapter 20)

3. Andy (Chapter 22)

4. Annie Gribble (Chapter 26)

5. A war medal (Chapter 27)

Short Answer

1. Betty’s decision to frame Toby launches a manhunt to find Betty. In the process, Betty is injured by her own actions. The townspeople, believing Betty’s lies, continue to search for Toby after she is found. Annabelle lies to her parents and sneaks Toby food to help him, and Toby is eventually killed because of the people’s suspicions. (Various chapters)

2. Annabelle immediately suspects Betty is up to something when she disappears. She decides to hide Toby, an action that helps Toby not only to escape from the police but also to heal from some of his war trauma. Annabelle’s appeals to her parents on behalf of Toby and her discussion with Andy about Betty’s intent eventually identify the victim as Toby and Betty as the instigator. Annabelle learns that she can have an impact on her environment through her actions and words. (Various chapters)

3. Toby returns to the barn because he has built a special connection with Annabelle. He tells Annabelle he wishes he had a daughter like her. (Chapter 23)

4. Annabelle is furious that Toby has been framed by the malicious Betty, and Sarah thinks the townspeople believe her because she is a young girl and Toby is much older and an outsider in the community. It is reasonable to assume that many may consider Betty to be a victim when compared to the much older and seemingly mentally unstable Toby. (Chapter 24)

5. Aunt Lily views religion as a way to control the world through strict guidelines and rules, while Annabelle’s mother suggests that God’s omniscience is more powerful than the actions of individuals. For example, when Annabelle feels guilt for being unable to locate Betty sooner, her mother chastises her by asking if she thinks she is God and is able to control all things. (Various chapters)