Plot
Uncle Ming comes to the motel because he needs help repairing this part of his car.
What is the radiator?
Mia’s father lends Uncle Ming money even though the Tang family has very little. What trait does this demonstrate?
What is generosity?
In the excerpt “loan sharks,” define loan sharks.
Who are people who lend money illegally and demand very high interest or use threats to collect it?
Uncle Ming comes to see the Tang family at this business.
What is the Calivista Motel?
This new friend of Mia’s also dislikes PE.
Who is Lupe Garcia?
Mia learns that Uncle Ming is hiding from these dangerous people.
Who are loan sharks?
Mia’s mother discourages Mia from playing sports because the family cannot afford medical treatment. What trait motivates her warning?
What is cautiousness or protectiveness?
In the excerpt “car radiator,” define radiator.
What is the part of a vehicle that helps prevent its engine from overheating?
Uncle Ming’s car remains at this type of business for three days.
What is an auto-repair shop or mechanic’s shop?
This family friend stays with the Tangs while his car is repaired.
Who is Uncle Ming?
Mia’s father gives Uncle Ming this much money to help pay for his car repair.
What is fifty dollars?
Mia tries to lead the drunken guest outside instead of abandoning the desk. What trait does this show?
What is courage or responsibility?
In the excerpt “couldn’t afford,” define afford.
What is to have enough money to pay for something?
Mia meets Lupe while attending this place.
What is Mia’s school?
This character lends Uncle Ming fifty dollars.
Who is Mia’s father?
At school, Mia becomes friends with Lupe after discovering that they both dislike this class.
What is physical education, or PE?
Hank immediately steps in and removes the man who is hurting Mia. What does this reveal about Hank?
What is that he is protective and dependable?
In the excerpt “partially in coupons,” define partially.
What is partly or not completely?
Mia and Lupe discover their shared dislike of this school setting.
What is PE class?
This character warns Mia that the family cannot afford an injury.
Who is Mia’s mother?
Hank rescues Mia after a drunken motel guest does this to her.
What is grabbing her shirt and shaking her?
Lupe quickly bonds with Mia over their shared feelings about PE. What trait does Lupe demonstrate?
What is friendliness or openness?
In the sentence “This was dangerous,” define dangerous.
What is likely to cause harm or injury?
The frightening encounter with the drunken guest occurs in this part of the motel.
What is the motel lobby or front-desk area?
This weekly motel resident rescues Mia from the drunken guest.
Who is Hank?