Characters
Symbolism
Traditions
Foods
Location
100

Which brother is the youngest

Brother Quang

100

What does the papaya represent?

The papaya represents Ha's life in Vietnam.

100

What superstition does Ha rebel against?

 Touching the floor first when a male is supposed to.

100

What is Ha's favorite food?

Ha's favorite food is papaya.

100

Where do they move to?

 They move to Alabama.

200

What is Brother Vu's inspiration?

Bruce Lee

200

What does the fried chicken symbolize?

The fried chicken represents Ha getting accustomed to American culture and starting her new life in America.

200

Why can't they splash water during Tet?

They do not want to "splash away joy."

200

What food does Ha's family try in America but does not like?

The fried chicken.

200

Where are they from?

They are from Vietnam.

300

Like Darry in The Outsiders, the brother that takes over the role of a father figure.

Who is brother Koi?

300

What does the pancake represent?

The pancake symbolizes two things: a reward for Ha learning and an insult from her classmates.

300

Why can't they sweep during Tet?

 They do not want to "sweep away hope."

300

What food does the cowboy bring for the mom as a gift?

 The catfish.

300

Where do they stay in America before the sponsor?

They stay in Florida.

400

Why is the mother strict towards the kids?

She wants the best for them and for them to succeed.

400

What does Bruce Lee symbolize?

Bruce Lee is symbolic because he's the main motivation for Brother Vu. He is the reason Vu got a job and moved to America.

400

Other than New Year's, what else does Tet double as?

Everybody's birthday.

400

 What did they eat on the ship?

They ate cooked rice.

400

1975 is the year of the what and where does it take place? 

Year of the Cat in Vietnam

500

How old was Ha when her Father left to go fight in the war? 

Ha was almost one years old

500

What is the symbolic meaning of the Tet traditions?

Tet traditions represent a new lucky change in their lives. When Ha touched her foot to the floor first, she rebelled and blamed herself for their bad luck.

500

Why do they act this way for the New Year?

They believe that "how we act today foretells the whole year."

500

What food do they eat only on Tet?

Bánh chung.

500

Vietnam is split into two sides Which side is  communist?

North Vietnam.