Chapters 26-28
What does the word “wary” mean as it is used on page 118?
Cautious
What does the word “glaring” mean as it is used on page 130?
Staring
What was the activity that Mrs. Douglas had planned for class at the start of Chapter 32?
Mrs. Douglas planned a Math Challenge for class.
What does the word “manic” mean as it is used on page 158?
The word “manic” means insane or state of insanity.
What does the word “frantically” mean as it is used on page 165?
The word “frantically” means wildly or nervously.
What does the Chinese term “ma fan” mean as it is used on page 120?
Ma fan means “trouble or troublesome” in Chinese.
What was the reason Jason and Mia’s classmates were making fun of Mia in Chapter 29?
The reason Jason and Mia’s classmates were making fun of her was that she was wearing cheap, floral pajama pants to school when everyone else was wearing jeans.
Who wins the class activity that Mrs. Douglas planned in Chapter 32?
Jason wins the class activity that Mrs. Douglas planned.
Who is the person that shows up at the Calivista as Chapter 35 opens?
Uncle Fung shows up during the opening of Chapter 35.
What does Jason take from Mia at the start of Chapter 38 that causes a disturbance and both of then get called up to Mrs. Douglas’ desk?
Jason had taken Mia’s sparkly, green pencil (and lied about it) that her father had given her to encourage her to write. It had sentimental value and it was expensive.
What was the job Hank first inquires about to Mr. Yao?
The job was being a “handyman” for Mr. Yao’s various motels.
Who is the person who shows up looking for help in Chapter 31?
Uncle Zhu (friend of Aunt Ling) is the person who shows up looking for help in Chapter 31.
What happens in Chapter 33 that causes Mia’s mother to question/worry about how Mia views herself?
Mia put a banana peel on her head while she was looking in the mirror to see how she looked blonde because she felt her life would be easier if she was white.
What two things did Uncle Fung do that led to him losing his latest job?
Uncle Fung scratched his nose with his middle finger and called all the customers “baby” because he was not familiar with American customs and traditions.
What plan does Mia come up with when Mr. Yao calls the Calivista at the beginning of Chapter 39?
Mia comes up with the plan that while the Yaos are away on vacation in Las Vegas, her and Lupe would pretend to be Girl Scouts. They would go you the Yaos house while they are away, ask the housekeeper to use the restroom, go to Jason’s room and get her special pencil back.
What happened in Chapter 27 that made Mia think she might not be ready for the essay contest?
In Chapter 27, Mia got a C- on her ELA essay in Mrs. Douglas’ class and started to doubt her skills.
What was Mr. Yao’s issue with Hank in Chapter 30?
Hank stopped paying rent at the Calivista because he lost his job. However, he learned about his tenant rights and could not be kicked out of his room unjustly.
How did Mia’s mother react to Mia losing the math challenge in Mrs. Douglas’ class?
Mia’s mother was disappointed and cold. She stopped hugging and comforting Mia when she found out that the reason she was sad was because she got the math challenge problem wrong.
What happened in Chapter 36 that made Mia’s mother uncomfortable about carrying her toilet paper-filled shopping bags?
Mia and her mother ran into Jason Yao and his mother at Macy’s. Mia’s mother was worried that Jason’s mother would tell Mr. Yao that her and Jason saw the Tangs shopping at Macy’s, which might lead him to believe they have more money to take or savings that they do not have.
Why did we finally find out that Lupe was frustrated with Mia ?
Lupe was frustrated with Mia because she is a little jealous of her. Mia is getting attention in class, has a boy that likes her (Jason), and has an opportunity to get out from under Mr. Yao with the essay contest, which Lupe does not have so she and her dad still need Mr. Yao. Lupe is also worried that if Mia wins the contest that she will lose her best friend.
What happened to Mia that encouraged her and led her to write a thank you note at the beginning of Chapter 28?
Mia received an $8 tip and thank you note from Mr. And Mrs. Miller from Room 8 that complimented her on her work.
When Hank decides not to pay rent at the Calivista, what is the arrangement that Mr. Yao makes with the Tangs?
The arrangement that Mr. Yao makes with the Tangs is that if they do not get Hank to pay his rent for his stay at the Calivista, the payments for his room will be taken from their paychecks. ($20/day)
What does Mrs. Q ask Mia to consider after Mia is upset with her mother for calling her a “bike” and the other kids “cars” in Chapter 34?
Mrs. Q asks Mia to consider that her mother is working a lot, tired, and stressed. Also that Mia’s mother might not have meant what she said, and that she probably has been told that her English isn’t good.
What happened during the game of “Hot Seat” that resulted in Mia getting her revenge on Jason for winning the math challenge?
Jason was in the “Hot Seat” and Mia attacked him with so many tough questions, Jason had to call on Mrs. Douglas to get him out of the hot seat. Mia won and got her revenge on Jason for winning the Math Challenge earlier.
The next school day, after writing Lupe’s letter and putting it on her desk, Mia does something. What is it?
Mia pranks Jason by putting menthol oil all over his pencil which he rubs in his eyes and makes him cry in class in front of everyone.