Characters
Background
Story Events
Settings
Vocabulary
100
What is the main characters name in "American History"?
Elena
100
Where does this story take place at?
Paterson, New Jersey
100
What does Elena have a view of from her window?
The kitchen of a little house below.
100
What kind of housing does the main character live in?
An apartment building.
100
This word means to be briefly but intensely in love.

Infauated

200
What is the name of the boy that becomes friends with the main character?
Eugene
200
Who died during this story?
President John F. Kennedy
200
How do the kids react to the death of the president? How do the adults?
The kids don't show a lot of concern and are just happy to get out of school. The adults are very sad and upset. Many go into immediate mourning.
200
What do they call the building in which the main character lives?
El Building
200

Meaning sudden urge to act or do something.

Impulse

300
What grade are the main characters in?
9th
300
What ethnicity is the main character?
Puerto Rican
300
What happens when Elena goes over to Eugene's house to study?
His mother refuses to let her in and says that he can not have close friendships because he is leaving soon.
300
Where is Elena when she finds out about the death of the president?
At school.
300

Defined as loving, loyal, and concerned with another's well-being.

Devoted

400
How would you describe the main character in physical appearance?
Skinny and flat-chested
400

What is the date on which most of this story takes place?

November 22, 1963

400

When does the Jewish woman move out of her house?

In June after her husband dies.

400
Where does Eugene live?
In the small house close to Elena.
400
Meaning captivated

Enthralled

500
What nicknames did the kids at school give the main character and her guy friend?
Skinny Bones and the Hick
500
What is the author's full name?
Judith Ortiz Cofer
500

What does Elena's mother warn her of before she leaves to study with Eugene?

Of being in pain and humiliated.

500

Where does Elena like to read?

By her bedroom window or the fire escape

500

Meaning great happiness and excitement.

Elation

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