Describe Evie's life in Denver before her father witnessed the shooting. Why is her real name important to her?

1) Evie's life in Denver was far more satisfying than when she became Evie. Her real name is Toswiah, as well as all her family, she had to change the name due to the shooting incident. In general, she lived a normal life in Denver, and being 'black' among 'whites' was not such a big deal, as she was a regular teenager with her strengths and weaknesses.

2) But her family faced the situation that changed everything. They had to move into another city, under new names to start a new life. The idea of new life was the only possible way to get over the problems but it was hard for each member of family. Her real name is important for Evie because it serves to her as connection with the past that she misses so much. Her name is her memories that (she thinks) can protect her from the harshness of new environment and stress that filled the family.