No Promises in the Wind Test

Josh Grondowski

The main character who ran away with his brother Joey and his friend Howie.

Stefan Grondowski

Josh's father; his behavior was the main reason Josh ran away.

Joey Grondowski

Josh's younger brother who ran away with him.

Mary Grondowski

Josh's mother; her reaction was the final straw that led him to leave.

Kitty Grondowski

Josh's older sister from another marriage; timid but kind.

Lon Bromer

A man who helped Josh and Joey and got Josh his first job.

Pete Harris

The owner of the carnival where Josh worked.

Edward C. Kensington

A kind dwarf who worked at the carnival.

Emily

The carnival clown whom Josh liked.

Janey

Lonnie's niece, a tomboy interested in politics; Josh liked her.

Howie

Josh's friend who ran away with him.

Mrs. Arthur

The woman who took Joey in after finding him on the streets.

What is the setting at the beginning of the story?

The west side of Chicago.

During what historical event does the novel take place?

The Great Depression.

Which family member is the only one with a job at the beginning?

Josh's mother, who irons clothes for work.

What is Josh's special talent?

Playing the piano.

How did Josh help his family financially?

He worked as a mailboy.

Why did Josh's mother defend her husband in family disagreements?

She believed the family would fall apart if she went against him.

What did Joey spend a nickel on?

Milk for a stray cat.

When did Josh and his father begin having conflicts?

After his father lost his job.

How did Josh's mother feel about his decision to leave home?

She had accepted it and dismissed his decision.

Why did Josh leave home?

He was fed up with his father and wanted to prove he could make a living on his own.

What are "bulls" on the train?

Railroad detectives who checked for paying passengers and sometimes threw people off trains.

What was Josh's first job after running away?

Working at a carnival.

Which character plays the banjo well?

Howie.

What tragic accident happened to Howie?

He missed a train jump and was run over.

What did Josh and Joey find at a ramshackle farmhouse?

An old rooster.

Where is Lon Bremer from?

Omaha, Nebraska.

To what state did Lonnie take Josh and Joey?

Louisiana.

Which character became ill near Omaha?

Josh.

How did Josh's relationship with his father change when he returned home?

His father changed his ways, and Josh mostly forgave him.