Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief

How does Van Drannen’s use of first-person narration shape readers’ understanding of the main character? How does telling the story from Sammy’s perspective affect other characters’ development and build suspense?

Sammy’s two closest relationships in the novel are with her grandmother, Grams, and her best friend, Marissa. How do they each support Sammy differently? What are these two characters distinct roles in the novel, and how do they deepen its thematic meaning?

Consider the effect of the subplot with Heather on Sammy's character development. What does it reveal about Sammy’s character? How do Sammy's interactions with Heather complicate the novel's notions of morality and right and wrong?