What does Jeanne gain from her expertise at baton twirling? Why do you think she is able to stay with this activity when she abandons so many others she tries during her time at Manzanar?2

Baton twirling is a very American practice. Jeanne is used to traditional Japanese practices. She finds baton twirling as a chance to assimilate more into American culture. It is separate from what her father demands a young girl should practice.

What do Jeanne’s baton twirling and parade participation reveal about her desires and her fathers desires? How does this revelation help develop a theme of the novel