Why do you think Daniela trusted Cadie with the secret that her family is undocumented? In general, why do you think people feel compelled to share their secrets even when there could be serious repercussions?

Secret keeping and secret sharing are prominent themes in this book. Why do you think Daniela trusted Cadie with the secret that her family is undocumented, after only knowing Cadie for a short time? In general, why do you think people feel compelled to share their secrets even when there could be serious repercussions?

The two girls were best friends and Daniela wanted Cadie to know the truth. She trusted Cadie. We reveal secrets to make a stronger bond. Sharing secrets and being vulnerable isn't always the best idea!

I think that when you have a secret sometimes you just have to get it off your chest and tell someone so that you aren't alone in keeping the secret. Daniela's family had the secret, but Daniela just had to tell someone else. And she trusted Cadie enough to hope that her secret would be safe.

Daniela had few friends and had a large burden to carry about her family background. When Cadie appeared in her life and she became close to her it provided Daniela an opportunity to lessen the burden, But is this done in reverse for a different event

I agree, I think sharing a secret can often lessen the burden in the moment (especially when you're a kid) but the long-term repercussions often only increase that burden. But I think it's to Cadie's credit that she proved herself trustworthy, first as children and then in the present-day as well.

I doubt many of us have held onto a secret without telling anyone. However once you tell someone it can spread as that person will also have difficulty keeping a secret

It is difficult to carry a secret on your own. When you find a best friend that you trust, it relieves the burden you carry alone to share it with your friend.

I agree she wanted to lighten the burden of her secret. I think the burden would be even greater for someone so young.

It is helpful to have a trusted friend carry one of your secrets. You don't feel like you are carrying the whole weight of the secret on your shoulders.

Like Marcia S, I think the reason Daniela trusted Cadie with that secret—at least I hope this is the reason—is that she wanted someone to know the truth about her. This entire novel is about secrets, falsehoods, and the fear that results from not telling the truth.

I think sharing a secret makes it more manageable--I would presume it's a huge burden to carry it alone, particularly one of that magnitude. I think Daniela just needed to unload, and Cadie was convenient.

Big secrets are burdensome. Sometimes you just feel you can trust a certain person. Friendship. Feeling safe with that friend. A sense or instinct.

Secrets can have a crushing effect on people. Sometimes it helps to reduce the burden if you share the secret with someone you feel you can trust. Sharing a secret, especially a huge one, can reinforce the bond between people.

Secrets are hard to keep. Daniela needed someone to confide in and she trusted the bond she had with Cadie.