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Who is the narrator of The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?
The narrator of The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora is Arturo Zamora.
What motivates Arturo to recite his poem at the public forum in The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?
Arturo is motivated to recite his poem at the public forum after Carmen kisses him.
How does Arturo show courage at Wilfrido Pipo's festival?
Arturo shows courage at the festival by holding the sign and talking back to Wilfrido Pipo.
Compare Wilfrido Pipo’s approach to progress with Abuela’s. What values does each represent?
Possible answer: Pipo values money, luxury, and fame—he wants to modernize at any cost. Abuela values tradition, community, and relationships. She believes progress should respect the past, not erase it.
"By the time I finished with the early morning dish prep, I had practically drowned in soap bubbles" (25).
What is: hyperbole.
Who is Carmen in The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?
Carmen is Arturo's close family friend. Her mother and Arturo's mother were best friends and Cari, Arturo's mom, is Carmen's godmother. Carmen's mother died 6 months ago and she and her father are visiting from Spain.
Why is La Cocina de la Isla important to Arturo and his family?
La Cocina de la Isla is important to Arturo and his family because it has been passed down from his Abuelo and Abuela and his whole family helps to run the restaurant.
What is the bible story that Arturo references to compare his conflict with Wilfrido Pipo in his "Note to Self" in the beginning of the book?
Arturo referred to the story of David and Goliath with Arturo's small, unlikely team taking on the powerful developer.
Why is the discovery of the José Martí poem such a turning point for Arturo? What does it symbolize?
The poem helps Arturo see he’s not just fighting for a restaurant—he’s part of a bigger struggle for justice and identity. It symbolizes the power of words and the responsibility to speak up for what matters.
"The clack-clack of Carmen's high heels mixed with my increasingly muffled breathing as we walked down the street" (61).
What is: onomatopoeia
Who is Carmen's father's name in The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?
Carmen's father's name is Frank.
How does Arturo feel when he first meets Carmen?
Arturo thought that Carmen was very pretty, but that felt awkward for him because she was 'like family' to him.
What advice would you give Arturo if he had to speak at another town hall meeting?
Possible answer: I would advise Arturo to prepare note cards, practice aloud with someone he trusts like Carmen or Mami, and focus on speaking from the heart like he did when honoring Abuela. Staying calm and connecting to the community’s shared values would help his message resonate.
In what ways do the setting and community contribute to Arturo’s identity by the end of the novel?
The Miami neighborhood, the restaurant, and the people around Arturo shape who he becomes. Their traditions, support, and struggles teach him what it means to belong and to stand for something.
"I can't lie -- I felt a little deflated when she said that, like cake cooked at the wrong temperature" (51).
What is: simile.
How and where did Arturo's Abuela and Abuelo first meet?
Arturo's Abuelo and Abuela first met when they were living in Cuba. Abuelo was a taxi driver and passed Abuela walking in the rain with her laundry and he stopped to help her.
What motivates Arturo to write a poem in The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora?
Finding Abuelo's letter in the cigar box where he says "write here" motivates Arturo to write a poem in The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora.
Imagine you are a city planner. Based on Arturo’s argument, how would you design a community space that honors cultural heritage?
Possible answer: I would create a park or plaza with murals of local heroes, poetry by José Martí, and space for cultural events like music, food, and storytelling. It would reflect the importance of family and legacy, just like La Cocina de la Isla.
How did Arturo’s understanding of family and legacy evolve over the course of the book?
At first, Arturo sees family mostly as people who love and support each other. By the end, he understands legacy is about keeping those values alive through action—like saving the restaurant and honoring Abuela’s memory.
"The vines of the banyan tree hung over us like they were waiting to turn us into puppets" (71).
What is: simile
What is the name of Jose Marti's famous poetry book that Carmen is reading? Bonus: what is the English translation?
Jose Marti's poetry book is called Versos Sencillos (Simple Verses).
Explain the Zamora family's proposal to the city Commissioner and the problem they have encountered while doing so.
The Zamora family is seeking to expand their restaurant, La Cocina de la Isla, into the lot next door, and the problem is that Wilfrido Pipo is also making a bid for the same lot - as well as the land the restaurant is on!
If you were Carmen, how would you support Arturo in planning his next protest or campaign?
Possible answer: I would help him write speeches, organize social media outreach, and contact local news outlets. I’d also help rally their friends and family to attend and participate, just like we saw during the protest.
How does Arturo’s relationship with Carmen help him grow as a person and as a leader?
Their friendship pushes Arturo to be braver and more thoughtful. Carmen challenges him to see the bigger picture, think critically about justice, and speak up. Her support also helps him find the confidence to lead the protest and stay true to his beliefs.
"...when I came across Abuelo's box. I had forgotten about it, but there it was, inviting me to open a letter and forget my troubles" (86).
What is: personification.