The Sky is Everywhere Theme of Dreams, Hopes, and Plans

When Bailey died, Lennie didn't know what Bailey's dreams were, because Bailey never told her. Because of this, a mystery-like subplot of The Sky is Everywhere is Lennie trying to figure out what Bailey wanted around the time of her death. Turns out it was nothing like what Lennie had imagined her sister wanting.

Then we have Lennie, who has the potential to be a great musician but won't allow herself to play well. She threw her band audition and quit her private lessons, refusing to even practice. Why? We don't get the clearest answer, but we know it has something to do with Lennie thinking that because her sister is such a leader, she can't be a leader, too. And it has something to do with not wanting to steal the dream Lennie thought Bailey had.

For Lennie, coming into her own means learning to dream of a future for herself—one that does not take into account Bailey, or even Gram or Uncle Big.

1. What does Mr. James mean when he says, "You have to stick your asses in the wind" (4.17)?
2. If Bailey had gotten in to Juilliard, how do you think that would have affected Lennie's resolution not to play? Why?
3. If Bailey knew the real reason Lennie threw the first chair audition, how do you think it would have made her feel?
4. How does music help Lennie heal?

Lennie's increasing willingness to play music throughout the story mirrors her progress in learning to be vulnerable with Joe.

Because Lennie is so good at playing the clarinet, she has to pursue music, because avoiding music would mean wasting her talent.