Who's Who?
Who are Rachel, Lucy, and Nenny?
Esperanza’s sister and her two friends — they often appear in group scenes.
What does Esperanza want in "A Rice Sandwich"?
To eat in the canteen with the other kids.
In “Sire,” Esperanza watches Sire and Lois and feels left out. What theme does this show us about Esperanza?
It shows her curiosity and confusion about love, independence, and becoming older.
What do the heels in “The Family of Little Feet” symbolize?
Femininity and the dangers of growing up too fast.
“The trees talk to me, they teach me things"
Personification
Who embarasses Esperanza at the baptism party in "Chanclas"?
Her uncle, who makes her dance in her old shoes.
What happens that makes Esperanza feel uncomfortable at work?
An older man tricks her into giving him a kiss.
In “Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark,” what message does Esperanza learn about family?
She sees her father cry and learns that family members have deep emotions and need care and love too.
What do clouds represent in “Darius & the Clouds”?
Hope and possibility — beauty beyond hardship.
"...Ready and waiting like a new Buick with the keys in the ignition."
Simile
Who is Geraldo? What happens to him?
A young man Marin meets at a dance who dies after being hit by a car — no one knows much about him.
In “The Family of Little Feet,” why do the girls stop wearing the high heels?
Because men’s attention becomes frightening.
In “Born Bad,” Esperanza feels guilty about her aunt. What theme does this show?
Feeling guilt is part of learning right from wrong, and caring about others.
What does dancing in “Chanclas” represent?
Confidence, joy, and self-acceptance.
"They don't walk like ordinary dogs, but leap and somersault like an apostrophe and comma."
Simile
Who gives Esperanza the old high heels?
The family of little feet.
What does Esperanza do at her cousin’s baptism party in “Chanclas”?
Dances in her old shoes and gains confidence.
In “The First Job,” Esperanza experiences something confusing and scary at work. What theme does this show about growing up?
Growing up means learning new things, sometimes the hard way, and facing challenges.
What does Elenita’s “home in the heart” reading mean?
Home isn’t physical — it’s about emotional belonging.
"The little wooden door that has wedged shut the dark for so long opens with a sigh and lets out a breath of mold and dampness."
Personification
Who is Darius?
A boy who says a cloud is God — showing unexpected insight.
Why does Esperanza not correct the nun when she says she lives in the "raggedy" house?
Esperanza is not good at standing up for herself.
In “Edna’s Ruthie,” Esperanza notices a grown woman who never leaves her apartment. What theme does this show about life in the neighborhood?
Some people feel stuck in their lives and lonely.
In “Born Bad,” what does Aunt Lupe’s illness symbolize?
The fragility of life and the lessons we learn from elders.
"The excited tinkling of dog tags."
Onomatopoeia