Characters
This character is known to be mean, cheap, demanding, and degrading to people.
Who is Mr. Yao
"His _______ breath stung my eyes."
(Smelly, nasty, rotten)
What is rancid?
Mia's dad collected these, looking for valuable ones that were produced in a limited amount. Some even by mistake. His collection of these was worth $300.
What are pennies?
The reason why Mia's parents would not allow her to play sports.
What is they did not want her to get hurt because they did not have health insurance?
Putting out flyers of local businesses, customer feedback cards, and collecting renters addresses in case they left items behind.
What are ways Mia tried to spruce up the Front Desk?
This character is Mia's best friend.
Who is Lupe?
When you compare what you read to what you know.
What is an inference?
Mia wanted these when she went shopping with her mom but put them back because they were to expensive. She described them as "delicious honey- kissed circles in a box".
What are Honey Nut Cheerios?
In school, Mia bragged about having one of these as a pet but it was a lie.
What is a dog?
Where is the motel located?
Anaheim, California
These characters explained the meaning of a loan shark to Mia while playing Monopoly.
Who are the weeklies
A comparison of two, unlike things that implies one thing is something else.
"You can't pick your own room. This isn't a salad bar!"
What is a metaphor?
Mia's family earned this amount per night for a room rental.
What is $5?
How many elementary schools has Mia attended, including Dale?
Five.
What is the Calivista Motel close to?
It's five miles from Disneyland.
This character was known as Mia's "Uncle", although he really wasn't. He arrived at the Calivista Motel with a black eye and bruises all over his cheeks and neck.
Who is Uncle Ming?
"How'd you learn how to play if you had no money?" Jason asked. For some reason this INFURIATED me, meaning....
What is making someone mad?
Uncle Ming's car needed repairs, but he only had $50 that Mia's family gave him and these to pay for it.
What are coupons?
Mia learned to play this instrument in China.
What is a piano?
Which long-term resident of Calivista helps Mia?
Hank
Which character says, "We're immigrants...our lives are never fair."
Mia's mom
"I know. And they're such good people. And their stories?". I put my heart on my chest. "Heartwrenching" meaning.....
What is sad, upsetting, making your heart hurt?
Used by hotels to ensure safe return of their keys. If the key is not returned this is kept to pay for a new key.
What is a deposit?
Character traits that best describe Mia.
What are selfless, kind, independent, generous?
How are Mia's feelings about her and her family's work at the Calivista starting to change?
In chapter 28, Mia begins sharing with her classmates about her work at the motel and demonstrates she is starting to take pride in it instead of feeling embarrassed.