Plots & Events
Where does Robin think she is going when she first leaves Korea with her mom?
On a short vacation to Alabama.
What is the name of the stepfamily's dog?
Barry
Where does Robin grow up before moving to America? (City, country)
Seoul, South Korea.
What major difficulty does Robin experience at school?
The language barrier - she doesn't understand English.
What is a memoir?
What shocking news does Robin learn soon after arriving in Alabama?
Her mother plans to marry Mr. Kim and stay permanently.
What happens to Robin's father?
He cheats on Robin's mom, and they split shortly after she is born.
Which instrument does Robin play in band?
Flute
What helps Robin cope with loneliness and stress?
Drawing comics.
What are the empty spaces between the panels called?
Gutters
What activity helps Robin start connecting with other teens?
Attending the comic book class in the comic book store.
Who is Lena, and how is she different from Robin? (List 5 physical differences)
Lena is Robin's stepsister.
Differences:
1. Shiny, straight hair vs. Frizzy hair
2. Clear skin vs. Pimples
3. Skinny arms vs. Chubby arms
4. Petite figure vs. Big shoulders
5. Trendy clothes vs. Baggy, unfashionable clothes
How does Robin feel about the food in America?
Too greasy
Give one example of bullying or racism that Robin experiences in the story.
TBD
Onomatopoeia
Where does Robin move at the end of the story?
Virginia
Who is Jessica and how does she help Robin?
She becomes Robin's first close friend in America, because of their shared passion for comics. When Robin is with Jessica, she feels like herself and gains confidence.
Why did Robin’s mother insist that she enter the piano competition, and what was the outcome?
Robin’s mom wanted her to build confidence and impress her cousins. Robin played perfectly and ended up winning 3rd place.
How does Robin show resilience?
She continues trying - making friends, learning English, and expressing herself through art.
Find the quote (Who said it & page number):
"It means 'until now.'"
Lena, pg 83
What realization does Robin have during her trip back to Korea?
She no longer fully fits into her old life there - her identity has changed.
What happens to Robin's mom and Mr. Kim at the end of the book?
Robin's mother says that the marriage is over, and she and Robin leave Alabama without telling the family.
Which culture does Robin identify with at the end of the story, and what experiences lead her to this understanding?
In the end, she identifies as Korean American. After visiting Korea, she realizes she no longer fully fits in there and feels more like a tourist. Ultimately, she comes to understand that she doesn’t fit perfectly into either culture—but belongs to both.
“Rose-colored glasses” refers to seeing things in an overly positive way while overlooking the negative.
As Robin leaves Alabama, she chooses to remember the good moments and focus on the positive.
Find the quote (Who said it & page number):
"I got you the summer shoes you asked for."
The step-grandmother (pg 178)