Bad Luck Farm
Why does Tyler considers the farm to be bad luck?
His grandpa dies of a heart attack and his father almost died from a tractor accident
to help someone feel less sad or disappointed
console
This story takes place on a dairy farm in this U.S. state
Vermont
This is the name of Tyler's favorite show cow
Alaska
This theme is shown early in the book when Tyler has to help his family after his father's tractor accident, proving that the farm can only survive if everyone chips in.
Working Together
How does Tyler learn that his family is keeping the farm?
He sees people "tresspassing" and learns that the people were hired by his parents to help with the farm
demanding something happen
insistent
Tyler’s parents hire Mexican workers because his father suffered this type of injury from a tractor accident and can no longer run the farm alone.
A broken arm
This character is the oldest of the three Mexican sisters; she is eleven years old and is described as being in charge of the younger two.
Mari
Tyler begins to show this theme when he stops seeing the new girls as "outsiders" and starts to learn about their lives and their culture.
Understanding Others
During her travel to the U.S., Mari tends to feel this certain emotion
Alone
unfair belief about people based upon the group they belong to
stereotype
Tyler's mom changes the farm's name because she is afraid of this happening: a surprise police search for undocumented workers
raid
Tyler is annoyed by this older brother, who is heading off to college but still finds time to tease Tyler about the "three pretty girls" on the farm.
Ben
Mari expresses this theme in her letters when she talks about missing Mexico but also wanting to feel safe and welcome on the farm in Vermont.
Home and Belonging
Something Mari does to connect with her mom that he dad wants her to stop
Sending/Writing mom letters
something that goes against, or is the opposite of, what was said before
contradiction
This is the name the family decides to give their farm, in this section of the book, to help keep their situation a secret from the public
Nameless farm
This character is the youngest sister, nicknamed "the little one," who is often shy and hides behind her older siblings
Luby
This theme is explored when characters discuss whether it is right to follow a law if that law ends up hurting "good, hardworking people."
Respect and Fairness
Why is Mari and her family considered to be "angels"?
They are saving Tyler's family farm when they were on the verge of losing it
held in great respect; admired greatly
esteemed
Mari writes a letter to this high-ranking government official, addressing him as "Esteemed" and describing her family's life on the farm
The President
Tyler mentions this specific person taught him everything he knows about the stars and gave him his telescope before passing away.
Gramps
Through their shared interest in stargazing, Mari and Tyler demonstrate that this can grow between two people even if they come from very different backgrounds.
Friendship (or Connection)