Characters
This journalist follows the lives of four teenage girls throughout the book.
Who is Helen Thorpe?
This word means "many" or "a great number."
Myriad
Whose lives does Helen Thorpe follow throughout the book?
Who are Clara, Elissa, Marisela, and Yadira?
What document gives someone permission to live and work legally in the United States?
What is legal documentation (visa, green card, legal status)?
This theme focuses on wanting equal opportunities regardless of immigration status.
Equality
How many of the four girls are undocumented?
What is two?
This word means "to strengthen or support."
Bolster
What event is approaching that causes the girls to think about their futures?
High School Graduation
Name one opportunity undocumented students often struggle to access.
College financial aid, legal employment, driver's license (depending on the time period), scholarships, etc.
Which theme is shown when the girls continue pursuing their dreams despite obstacles?
What is perseverance (determination/resilience)?
What major difference separates Clara and Elissa from Marisela and Yadira?
Clara and Elissa are U.S. citizens/documented; Marisela and Yadira are undocumented.
This word means "carefully examine."
Scrutinize
Why did Marisela leave the ER office in rage ?
True or False: Marisela dated fernando even behind her father's back after prom
FALSE
Why does Thorpe include both facts and personal stories?
To help readers connect emotionally while understanding the larger issue.
Which two girls face legal barriers even though they have grown up in the United States?
Which two girls face legal barriers even though they have grown up in the United States?
This word means "an official pardon for people who have broken immigration laws."
Amnesty
Which Colorado politician becomes known for his strong anti-immigration views?
Who is Tom Tancredo?
Why do the undocumented girls worry more about everyday decisions than their friends?
Their immigration status limits their opportunities and creates fear of deportation or legal consequences.
What theme is emphasized by comparing documented and undocumented students with similar dreams?
Identity, fairness, inequality, or opportunity.
Despite their different immigration status, what goal do all four girls share?
They want to graduate, attend college, and build successful futures.
This word describes someone whose mood or behavior changes quickly.
Mercurial
Throughout the first four chapters, what does high school graduation symbolize for the four girls?
What is the beginning of adulthood and new opportunities—but also different futures because of immigration status?
What is one central message Thorpe communicates about immigration through the girls' experiences?
Immigration status affects opportunities even for students who have grown up in America. (Accept similar answers.)
According to the first four chapters, what matters more in determining the girls' opportunities: talent alone or legal status?
Legal status has a major influence on opportunities.