Building Bridges A
What is Bebe's dream?
To be an engineer.
Mama Lil said, "If God had meant you to do a man's work, he would have made you a man."
What can readers understand about Mama Lil?
Mama Lil has strong feelings about men's work and women's work. She thinks men should only do men's work, and women should do women's work.
She thinks being an engineer is a man's job, and Bebe should not do it.
A writer's story about a real event. It is told like a story. It is told in first person perspective (uses 'I' or 'me' to tell the story).
Someone who makes other people laugh.
Has Mama Lil ever left her neighborhood?
No. She has always lived and stayed in the same neighborhood.
Why is working on the Brooklyn Bridge important for Bebe's dream?
She brings home a job application for a beauty salon.
How did John Leguizamo think of himself in high school?
He was a poor kid at a poor school.
He wanted to be cool.
He wore clothes that did not fit.
What information shows that he listened to Mr. Zufa's words?
He worked hard to go to college at NYU. He won an award for his movies and films.
What is the relationship between Bebe and Mama Lil?
Mama Lil is Bebe's grandma.
Why is Mama Lil scared to let Bebe follow her dream?
She is scared that Bebe will leave her and not come back.
What was the reason for John Leguizamo to want to be cool?
He wanted to get girls.
"I'm going to be a loser all my life" And I really didn't want to be a loser. I wanted to be somebody.
What did John Leguizamo worry about? What did he dream about?
He was worried about being a failure.
He dreamed about being a successful person in life.
What does the word "obnoxious" mean?
Annoying
What happened to Bebe's parents?
They died in an apartment fire when Bebe was 6 years old.
How do readers know that Bebe wants Mama Lil to accept her dream?
Bebe wants Mama Lil to "look at her" and to "let her dream."
Bebe wants Mama Lil to sign the paper instead of Bebe signing Mama Lil's name.
Bebe helps Mama Lil read the consent form so she can sign it.
What were some problems, or obstacles, John Leguizamo had in school?
He was poor and couldn't afford nice clothes.
He started getting in trouble in school.
He did not feel accepted by other students.
He made friends with gangsters.
Mr. Zufa asks John if he should be a comedian. What message or idea is he telling John? (Not about being a comedian)
He is telling John that he should use his energy for something good or something positive.
Bebe says, "The bridge is where my heart's at."
What does the phrase "where my heart's at" mean?
It is something she really wants to do.
How are Bebe and Mama Lil similar?
They both have very strong opinions and feelings.
In the end, Mama Lil says, "Bebe, that bridge is lucky to have you."
What does this mean?
Mama Lil loves Bebe and wants her to be successful. She shows Bebe that she supports her dream.
How did John Leguizamo react to Mr. Zufa's words?
He thought carefully and seriously about his situation. He decided to change and work hard to be a comedian.
What made John Leguizamo feel accepted by people in high school?
He felt accepted by other people when he was telling jokes and being funny.
Why are Mama Lil's glasses important for the story?
She uses her reading glasses to try and read the consent form.
She stayed up all night to try and read it.
Bebe sees the glasses, and it is a sign that shows Bebe that Mama Lil will support her dream.