Characters
This character is the narrator in the first chapter and describes her family's move to Delaware.
Who is Alma Rivera?
The city where the Rivera family relocates.
What is Wilmington, Delaware?
The main reason the Rivera family moves to the U.S.
What is to find better treatment for Maribel’s injury?
The inciting incident that sets the Riveras' journey to the U.S. in motion.
What is Maribel’s injury?
“We had come to the U.S. thinking it would be a better life.” What does this quote reflect about the Rivera family's expectations upon arriving in America?
What is their hope for opportunity and a fresh start for their family?
This character suffers a traumatic brain injury that leads the Riveras to move to the U.S.
Who is Maribel Rivera?
The apartment complex where most of the characters live.
What is the Redwood Apartments?
The obstacle Alma faces when trying to buy groceries for her family.
What is the language barrier?
Mayor notices this about Maribel when they first meet.
What is her beauty and quiet demeanor?
“I wanted to protect her, but I couldn’t.” Which character says this, and who is she referring to?
Who is Alma Rivera, and she is referring to Maribel?
This neighbor befriends Maribel and is lovestruck by her.
Who is Mayor Toro?
The country Alma and her family emigrated from.
What is Mexico?
Mayor’s struggle with his father’s expectations is an example of this type of conflict.(Hint: ____ vs. ____)
What is man vs. man?
Alma’s encounter with a man who makes inappropriate remarks represents this moment in the plot.
What is rising action?
“This country was going to make us into people we didn’t even recognize.” What does this quote reveal about Alma’s feelings regarding adjusting to life in America?
What is her fear of losing her cultural identity while adapting to life in the U.S.?
Mayor’s father, who has strong opinions about fitting in and hard work.
Who is Rafael Toro?
The location where Maribel first meets Mayor.
What is the grocery store?
Alma’s guilt over Maribel’s injury is an example of this type of conflict. (Hint: ______ vs. ______)
What is man vs. self?
The Riveras struggle financially, as seen when they shop for this.
What is furniture?
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to give your family the best chance.” Which character says this, and what does it reflect about his values?
Who is Rafael Toro, and it reflects his belief in hard work and sacrifice for family?
This character offers Alma comfort and helps her navigate their new life.
Who is Celia Toro?
The place Alma avoids after feeling unsafe.
What is the wooded area near the apartments?
The discrimination faced by the Riveras and their neighbors reflects this broader societal issue.
What is prejudice against immigrants?
Mayor’s relationship with Maribel begins to grow when they share this experience.
What is walking together outside the apartments?
“She was perfect, and I wasn’t.” Who is the speaker, and what does this reveal about his feelings toward another character?
Who is Mayor Toro, and it reveals his admiration and insecurity about Maribel?