What elements of Misty's life do you think increased her sense of loneliness? Did you feel lonely as a child?

What elements of Misty's life do you think increased her sense of loneliness? Did you feel lonely as a child?

Misty lived in a secluded area without others to play with and broaden her world. When she was abused by someone she thought was a "friend", she was afraid to turn to others and it further isolated her. Her father worked all the time, then left. Her mother seemed a little disassociated and in her own world. Penny mainly kept to herself. There wasn't any immediate support for Misty where she lived.

Misty did not really have any good role models and there was very little communication in the house. Also, she and Penny were alone a lot and the mother had a number of psychological issues and was unable to fulfill her role as a support for Misty. She really had no where to turn and no one she felt she could be open with regarding the assaults in the barn

Misty felt lonely because she WAS alone! The only time she received attention was when she was hurt, sick, or struck by a green light. She seemed to enjoy being around her cousins. I wonder why she didn't visit them more often?

As an only child, there were definitely times when I felt lonely. I was blessed with great parents and close friends, bu I always wondered what it would be like to have a sibling. Instead, I created an imaginary friend. We had great times together :)

Misty's ability to communicate with inanimate objects made her unique. Communication with humans was more difficult for her; therefore, she experienced a sense of loneliness even though humans were around.

I'm with dianeh on this one. Misty was alone a lot and didn't have a mother who was capable of providing the care that would lead to a child feeling supported.
I've never felt lonely but I have an extremely supportive family as well as a fierce independent streak.

I must admit I have never experienced true loneliness so it is a bit hard to relate. However, that being said, the setting (rural), limited interactions with other kids and adults as well only family and immediate neighbors (the holler), the season (summer), and being the uoungest (Little Bit) could have all contributed to her sense of loneliness. At the beginning of the book I was wondering if she was autistic...anyone else?

She missed her father and was not close to her sister. No friends to play with. A shame she did not get to visit with her cousins more. I did not feel lonely as a child. My best friend was the oldest of three girls. Her two sisters were 3 and 4 years younger. In our neighborhood each sister had a friend their age. The six of us played together. I feel lonelier now that I am an adult.