Plot
Mia and her father collect and crush these objects to exchange for money.
What are aluminum cans?
Mia wants her family to continue sheltering immigrants despite the risk. This shows that she is this.
What is compassionate?
On page 76, automatic describes something done almost without thinking. Example: “After weeks of practice, checking the room keys became almost automatic.” Define automatic.
What is done without conscious thought or direct control?
Mia and her parents shop for food at this type of store.
What is a grocery store?
This temporary motel guest is a Chinese immigrant whom Mia calls “Uncle.”
Who is Uncle Li?
Mia’s family decides to continue secretly allowing these people to stay at the motel.
Who are Chinese immigrants in need?
Mia’s father teaches her that mistakes can sometimes become opportunities. This shows that he is this.
What is optimistic?
On page 77, beaming describes a person showing great happiness. Example: “Lena walked into class beaming after learning that her story had won.” Define beaming.
What is smiling brightly with happiness?
Mia and her father take their collected cans to this type of facility.
What is a recycling center?
This character teaches Mia that mistakes can sometimes create opportunities.
Who is Mia’s father?
Mia discovers that Lupe’s father has come to the motel to repair this.
What is the cable?
Lupe admits the truth about her family after Mia is honest with her. This shows that Lupe is this.
What is trustworthy?
On page 78, urgency describes the need for immediate action. Example: “The smell of smoke added urgency to the teacher’s instructions.” Define urgency.
What is the need to act quickly?
Lupe visits Mia at this location while her father completes a repair.
What is the Calivista Motel?
This classmate is revealed to be the repairman’s daughter.
Who is Lupe?
Mia and Lupe confess that they both lied about this part of their lives.
What is how wealthy their families are?
Mia’s parents welcome Uncle Li because seeing other immigrants makes them happy. This shows that they value this.
What is community?
On page 81, enormous describes something unusually large. Example: “An enormous oak tree shaded nearly the entire playground.” Define enormous.
On page 81, enormous describes something unusually large. Example: “An enormous oak tree shaded nearly the entire playground.” Define enormous.
The rare-coin search occurs in this part of the motel where Mia’s family lives.
What is the manager’s apartment?
This character explains how poverty can be passed from parents to children.
Who is Lupe?
Lupe uses two imaginary amusement-park rides to explain this repeating social problem.
What is the cycle of poverty and wealth?
After learning about Lupe’s “roller coasters,” Mia becomes determined to improve her family’s future. This shows that she is this.
What is ambitious?
On page 82, depressing describes something that causes sadness or discouragement. Example: “The empty animal shelter was a depressing sight.” Define depressing.
What is causing sadness or discouragement?
Lupe compares rich and poor families’ lives to rides found at this type of attraction.
What is an amusement park?
This motel owner cheats Lupe’s father and must not discover the Tangs’ secret guests.
Who is Mr. Yao?