"Ysrael"
Where does this chapter take place?
Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Where does this chapter take place?
In the United States-New York/New Jersey
How many years did the boys live without Papi?
9 years
What are Ysrael's 3 superpowers?
Flight, invisibility, strength
In "Ysrael," what do Rafa and Yunior do to him? Explain the incident in detail.
They travel by bus and find Ysrael. They talk to him and gain his trust. At one point, he even smiles under the mask. Rafa hits him over the head with a bottle, kicks and takes his mask off.
Where do the boys go during the summer?
They go to stay with family, while Mami works.
What is the occasion for the Fiesta?
To celebrate Tia Yrma and Tio Miguel moving to the United States.
How does Yunior learn about his father?
He learns about him through pictures.
Who is Father Lou?
A priest, who mentors Ysrael
Why does Yunior get sick in the van?
He has anxiety and is afraid of Papi. This causes him to be sick.
In this chapter, what do we learn about Ysrael's father? (HINT: Tio is the one who mentions it)
He is very sensitive "about anyone taunting his oldest son."
Why did other kids shift "uneasily in the seats," when Papi spoke?
He was louder than most adults and his tone was harsh.
At the beginning of this chapter, what does Rafa know that Yunior does not?
Yunior: "I didn't know that he'd abandoned us. That this waiting for him was all a sham."
How does Ysrael get the boys to stop beating him up?
He yells,"strength" and "the fat boy flies off him." The boys start running.
What happens when Abuelo tries to reach Papi?
No one knew where he had gone
What happens on the bus in this chapter? How does Rafa react?
A man on the bus touches Yunior. Rafa thinks Yunior is crying because they ditched the bus and did not pay. Rafa is angry for him acting weak. Rafa does not know about the man on the bus.
What does Tia do for Yunior in this chapter? Why is it different than what others do?
She gives him food. She is the only one who will stand up to Papi.
At Tia Miranda's, there is food and a comfortable home. With Mami, they eat spoiled food and life is hard.
What obstacle does he face with his operation?
The doctor puts it off and does not take it seriously.
Explain what each boy thinks will happen when Papi returns.
Rafa: He will come in the night, like Jesus. He will be at the table, unshaven and smiling.
Yunior: He would be in the trees, with gold rings on and in a silk shirt.
How long has Papi been gone?
6 years
Why does Yunior feel guilt when it comes to Mami?
He knows about the Puerto Rican woman and does not tell Mami.
What happens when Papi does not show up? (Hint: Explain actions of Mami, Yunior and Rafa)
Mami: "lost her mind"
Yunior: "I learned to tear my clothes"
Rafa: Cuffs Yunior to make him stop
Father Lou is a big part of this chapter. What is the purpose of this character?
Safety, protector, teacher, friend
What does Ysrael's kite symbolize?
It freedom and hope.