Lit. Elements
“Outside, a teenaged boy stood slouched against the wall, holding the nose of a skateboard. I could feel him watching us as we approached. He had on a loose black T-shirt and jeans that were frayed at the hems. Dark brown hair, bluntly cut, brushed forward past his hairline. An inky black tattoo that snaked up the side of his neck from beneath the collar of his shirt.”
Imagery
“What time was it? How long had I been out here? I imagined Maribel getting off the bus, standing in the middle of the parking lot, her backpack hitched high on her thin shoulders, confused because I wasn't there. Then I imagined the boy from the other day, looking for her, and dread welled inside me. Why hadn’t I stopped that car earlier?"
Tough questions.
Who is the character who carries a green notebook?
Maribel
Who is the "busybody" of the apartment building?
Quisqueya
What is Mr. Recek's favorite candy?
Kit Kats
When Mayor punches Garrett.
External conflict.
“And so she started. One rung.Two. Then, a noise. Something clattered off to the side. I startled and turned. I must have jerked the ladder. It slid in the mud on the ground from the rain the night before. And when I turned back again, It was as if the world was unspooling in slow motion. I saw Maribel’s body tilt backwards. She let out a sharp scream."
Memory moment
Who is the character who wanted to be a boxer?
Fito
Which signpost does the following quote represent?
"Maribel hurried into the Kitchen, where her buñuelos waited on an oval platter covered by a dish towel. She brought them out proudly and, like a perfect hostess, carried the plate around, holding it over each person's shoulder while they helped themselves to the desserts."
Memory moment
What unfortunate allergy does Mr. Recek have?
He is allergic to peanuts.
Define symbolism.
When a writer uses an object to represent a deeper idea.
“I got my clip-on tie out of the drawer and started to hook it to my collar. ‘See, that’s what I’m talking about,’ Enrique said. ‘All these rules. Like God cares whether or not you’re wearing a tie.’ ‘ You used to wear a tie to church, too,’ I said. ‘Exactly. Used to. But I wouldn’t be caught dead in that thing now. ‘It’s not a big deal.’ My brother shook his head.’One day you’ll get out of here and you’ll see.’”
Words of the wiser
Why did Rafael lose his job?
The diner closes down.
What country is Benny originally from?
Nicaragua
TRUE or FALSE: Mr. Recek has tattoos.
True
When a writer shows about a character so that the reader must make an inference.
Indirect characterization.
“I challenged him to an arm wrestling match. I said if I beat him, he had to give me the money for the ticket to Vermont, but if he beat me, I’d take the building manager job instead. Well, here I am. No shame in it."
Aha moment.
What is Alma keeping secret from Arturo?
Garrett has been harassing Maribel.
What does Gustavo work to achieve?
He send money to his children so they can go to college.
Which school does Mr. Recek attend currently?
Adelphi
When a writer directly tells about a character.
Direct characterization.
"And that's when I punched him. I'd never punched anyone in my life, but before I knew it, I squeezed my hand shut, drew back my elbow, and punched Garrett right in the side of the neck."
Contrast and contradiction.
What car do the Toros buy?
a Volkswagen Rabbit
Who is the president at the time the novel takes place?
Barack Obama
TRUE or FALSE: Mr. Recek has been to Australia.