Characters
Who was Luis’s best friend who died in Chapter 2?
Tino
What city and area does Luis grow up in?
South San Gabriel, near Los Angeles
What feeling does Luis often describe when teachers ignore him at school?
invisible
What were Luis and Tino doing the night Tino died?
Playing basketball after hours at school
What does the word barrio mean?
neighborhood, especially amongst Latin communities
How would you describe Luis’s mother?
Strong, emotional, protective,.
Why were the hills “invisible” to the rest of Los Angeles?
The city ignored the poor neighborhoods where Luis lived
What is one reason kids in the barrio joined “clubs” or “gangs”?
to feel safe or belong
What accident changes Luis’s life in Chapter 2?
Tino falls through a skylight while running from the police
define unincorporated
Not part of a city government; belonging to no city officially
How does Luis’s father react to Tino’s death?
He stays silent, showing sadness and worry without words
What details does Luis use to describe his neighborhood?
Dusty streets, small homes, the smell of food, and barking dogs
What theme is shown when Luis says, “Kids like us were always being chased”?
The idea of being trapped by poverty and fear
What happens when Luis starts drawing graffiti?
He finds self-expression but also gets in trouble with adults
define belonging
Feeling accepted and part of a group
What difference does Luis notice between himself and his brother Rano (Joe)?
Rano is praised for success while Luis feels overlooked
Why does Luis describe the barrio as both “broken” and “alive”?
It has hardship but also strong community and pride
What does Luis mean when he says, “We didn’t call ourselves gangs at first”?
They began as social groups before becoming gangs
What emotions does Luis feel when Tino dies?
Shock, guilt, sadness, anger
define invisible
not being seen or heard
How does Luis’s change between Chapters 1–3?
He moves from family closeness to loss and distrust, finding belonging in gangs
How does the physical environment of the hills shape people’s lives?
Isolation and poverty create a sense of being forgotten
What message do Chapters 1–3 suggest about survival and identity?
People adapt and create meaning even when the world ignores them
What role does art (graffiti and poetry) play for Luis?
It’s his voice, helping him express pain and stay visible
define loyalty
Staying true to people or beliefs even when things are hard