The Glass Castle BC #4 and 5

To survive, Jeannette Walls and the other children must endure the most unimaginable things. Jeannette mentions how everyone had to fend for themselves. Maureen was always at a friend's house. She wasn't sure how Lori and Mom were taking care of themselves, but they all managed on their own. She says, " I was pretty sure he [Brian] was rooting through the trash too, but we never talked about it." (173). Aside from rummaging through the trash, in what other ways did Jeannette and her family fend for themselves? Did they have any choice?

A Long Way Gone BC #4 and 5

To survive, Beah and the other children must endure the most unimaginable things. Early in the book, Beah hints at what the boys must learn to survive: "It was a typical aspect of being in the war. Things changed rapidly in a matter of seconds and no one had any control over anything. We had yet to learn these things and implement survival tactics, which was what it came down to. That night we were so hungry that we stole people’s food while they slept. It was the only way to get through the night."

Aside from stealing food, what tactics do these boys learn in order to survive? Did they have any choice?