What happened in the chapter?
Chapter 6
They switched trains to go to America and saw the train that had people who were being sent back to Mexico go behind them. We are introduced to Miguel's cousins, aunt, uncle and Marta. They talk about their work that they do on the farms and how all the camps are separated by race.
She sleeps in the same room as Esperanza, she is Miguel's cousin and taught Esperanza how to do some chores.
Isabelle
Why did Miguel and Alfonso keep the package a secret?
Why did Esperanza make rice water?
To help the babies with their upset stomachs.
Why did they take the cantaloupes?
They weren't going to sold by the farmers.
Chapter 7
They are shown the work camp and Esperanza complains about the conditions. She still believes that she is rich and that there will be no way she will stay working long. Isabelle shows Esperanza around the camp and shows her what chores she will be doing. Esperanza does very badly at all the chores and is laughed at when Marta comes back and sees Esperanza attempt to sweep. Esperanza gets embarrassed and runs away, Miguel shows her how to sweep and Esperanza tells stories to Isabelle in exchange for tips on how to do chores.
She is the same age as Esperanza. She lives in a different camp, but has an aunt and uncle that works in the same camp as everyone else. She wants the people to strike for better conditions.
Marta
Why did everyone take a bath? ( They don't bathe everyday)
They were going to a party.
Why did Esperanza want more work?
She needed more money to pay for her mom's hospital bills.
Why does Marta not like Esperanza?
Marta's father fought in the Mexican revolution and was against the rich land owners.
Chapter 8
She is a religious figure in Mexican Culture.
Our lady Guadalupe
Why did Esperanza feed the babbies plums?
She thought they were soft enough for the babies to eat and they liked them when she fed them it.
Why did Esperanza's mom get sick?
She got valley fever from mushroom spores in the air.
Why does Marta want to strike?
She wants better conditions for workers.
Chapter 9
Esperanza is put in charge of the babies by herself for the first time because Isabelle has school. She gives the babies plums and that upsets their stomachs so she has to make rice water for them to drink and change their diapers a lot. She also burnt dinner because she was busy with the babies. The farm and camps are hit by a dust storm that lasts for a long time and Mom gets sick, the doctor says she caught valley fever and that if she does get better, it could take 6 months to get better.
Isabelle's cat
Chiquita
Why did Marta hold up a kitten when she was talking about striking?
She was comparing the workers to helpless kittens.
What did Esperanza want in exchange for telling Isabelle stories about when she was rich?
She wanted Isabelle to teacher her how to do chores.
What is a Jaimaica?
It is a kind of party.
Chapter 10
Esperanza's mom got worse and was sent to a hospital, Esperanza was wondering where Abuelita was because mom wanted her nearby. The doctor told everyone that she was doing badly because she was depressed because of all the things that had happened to her. They were running out of money, so Esperanza wanted to get a paying job to pay for rent and the hospital so she went to work in the shed cutting potatoes. They hear that Marta is planning another strike and are going to hurt people who don't strike with them. They then talk about their Christmas plans, Esperanza prays and says she'll be the head of the house and make money for all of the family.
She's around the same as Esperanza. She already had a child and husband and enjoys both talking with the younger kids and knitting with the older women.
Melina
Why did Esperanza start knitting the blanket again?
Her mom got sick and it helped her calm down and would keep her mom warm.
Why was Esperanza crying when she was alone near the canyon?
She tried to listen to the earth's heartbeat and was reminded of her dad but couldn't do it.
What big event happened before Esperanza's mom got sick?
A dust storm happened and made everyone stop working and striking.