Saigon
-no food
-no water
-no bathrooms
-danger (had to remain silent)
Which of Ha's brothers came home whistling from his first day at school? Why does Ha think he had a better day than her?
Brother Vu
Ha thinks he was better accepted "because he has muscles".
"Mother can't allow idle children. Hers or anyone else's."
it made the poor food they were served more edible
In addition to necessities, each family member brings one choice item in their backpack with them. What does Ha bring?
She brings her doll with mouse-bitten ears, because she thinks it is more beautiful for her scars. This is a symbol of perseverance or bravery; to overcome hardships and still survive.
The names of the girl and boy in Ha's class who were kind to her.
Pam and Steven
"I was superstitious, that is all. If anything, you brought us luck..."
What did Ha desperately want to do in Alabama that she thought her "Cowboy" could provide?
She wanted to ride a horse and thought he would have one.
Ha's mother always wants to do what is best for her family. Why does she finally decide to go to the United States?
She needed to leave Saigon to protect her family, and her sons could earn a scholarship for their education in America.
What did Khoi and Ha throw overboard and why did they do this?
the dead chick and the doll
Ha wanted Khoi to not be alone in his grief and to support her brother.
Why is Miss Washington kind to Ha? What part of her past makes her more sympathetic?
Miss Washington's son was a soldier in Vietnam and told her all about the country and the people there, both the positive and the negative. With this information, Miss Washington is less ignorant than her neighbors.
"I can’t think of anything but can’t let my brothers best me, so I blurt out, What if Father is really gone?"
Several superstitions were named in the book that people have during Tet (things you must or can't do). Name one of them.
-can't sweep the floor (that would sweep away hope)
-can't frown
-can't splash water (that would splash away joy)
-can't wear old clothing
-can't have a girl's foot touch the floor first (only boy's feet bring luck)
"GOOONNNNGGGGG rings out; how soothing a real gong sounds."
-her brother Vu drove up on his motorcycle and scared him
-Everyone thinks Vu Lee is cool so they like Ha now
This person gave Ha flower seeds in a tin before leaving Saigon.
her best friend TiTi
Ha thinks that her life is so unlucky because of three naughty things she did in the past. Name one thing she confessed to doing.
-pulled a classmate's hair
-steal money for fried dough
-put her toe on the floor first at Tet
"Pink Boy writhes on the pavement."
Writhe: move in a twisting or contorted motion, often when in pain.
The dried papayas were, "Not the same, but not bad." The Tet rice and bean treats mother made were, "Not the same, but not bad." How does the repetition of this motto reflect Ha's new life in Alabama?
Ha can't expect her life to ever be the same as it was in Saigon, but she can change her attitude and be positive. Wind a new mindset, she might see that her new life is "not bad" after all.