🚩 Is It a Red Flag?
A person laughs at a classmate because the classmate's family cannot afford expensive clothes. What warning sign is this?
Mocking someone because of their financial situation; cruelty or bullying.
If Mia 'devoured' a meal, how did she eat it?
She ate it quickly or eagerly.
Mia keeps trying even after she and her mother lose their restaurant jobs. What trait does this show?
Persistence or determination.
What is the name of the motel where Mia's family begins working?
The Calivista Motel.
Before the motel job, where does Mia's family stay while struggling to find stable work?
They live in their car for a time.
A new student struggles to understand a school form. What is one helpful thing you could do?
Offer to explain it, help find a trusted adult or translator, and avoid making fun of the student.
Someone lies about a fee to get money from a family that does not understand the language. What is this behavior called?
Exploitation: taking unfair advantage of someone through deception.
If someone 'pored over' a job listing, what were they doing?
Studying or reading it carefully.
Mia notices details and thinks carefully about what is happening around her. What trait does this suggest?
Observant or thoughtful.
What job does Mia take on at the motel?
She works at the front desk, helping guests.
What happens to Mia and her mother at the Chinese restaurant?
They are fired after Mia has trouble carrying the dishes and drops meals.
You see someone being judged because of their accent. What is a fair response?
Treat the person respectfully, include them, and speak up or get help if they are being bullied.
A person pretends to offer help but secretly expects something unfair in return. What red flag should you notice?
Manipulation or fake kindness; the person is using the appearance of helping to benefit themselves.
What does 'desperation' mean when someone urgently needs a job or help?
A feeling of great worry or need that can make someone feel they have few choices.
Mia wants to help her family and takes on responsibilities at a young age. What trait does this reveal?
Responsibility and dedication to her family.
What does a motel receptionist generally do for guests?
Welcomes guests, answers questions, handles check-in/check-out, and helps with basic needs.
What does the family's move from the restaurant to the motel show about the plot?
The story is moving from one difficult situation toward a new opportunity, but the family's challenges continue.
Why is it important not to assume someone is less intelligent because they are still learning English?
Language-learning ability is not the same as intelligence; people may know a great deal in another language.
A person blames the victim after being caught taking advantage of them. What does this suggest?
They are avoiding responsibility instead of admitting and correcting their behavior.
If excitement 'pulsated' through someone, what does that suggest?
The excitement seemed to throb, surge, or move strongly through them.
Mia is excited about the chance to work at the motel and wants to do well. What does this show about her attitude?
She is hopeful, eager, and willing to work hard.
Why is the motel an important setting for Mia and her family?
It becomes their workplace and home base, shaping their daily responsibilities and relationships.
Why is the family's financial situation important to understanding the early chapters?
It explains why they accept difficult work, make sacrifices, and need the motel opportunity.
A person offers a deal that seems confusing and pressures someone to agree quickly. What should that person do?
Pause, ask questions, get the terms in writing, and ask a trusted adult or knowledgeable person for help.
A business owner charges newcomers more because he assumes they do not know the usual price. Identify two red flags.
Dishonesty and exploitation; the owner is taking advantage of people who may have less information or power.
A room has a calming 'aroma.' What does aroma mean, and how is it different from an odor?
Aroma is a smell, usually a pleasant one; odor is a more general word for a smell.
Mia faces challenges in a new country but continues looking for ways forward. Name two character traits supported by this behavior.
Resilience and optimism (also determination or resourcefulness).
How does working at the motel change Mia's responsibilities compared with an ordinary child her age?
She takes on adult-like work and helps her family manage the motel while still being a child and student.
Describe one early conflict Mia faces and explain how it affects her or her family.
Example: poverty and unstable work make the family move between living situations and accept demanding jobs; this creates stress and uncertainty.
What is one way a community can make newcomers feel welcome without treating them as helpless?
Offer respectful support, share accurate information, listen to what they need, and recognize their strengths and choices.