Exposition
Who is the main character?
Maya
Why is Maya called to the office?
Her brother got into a fight and they need her to translate for her parents.
What did Nurzhan offer to do for Maya?
Talk to their parents to get the permission slip signed.
Where does Maya end up going at the end of the story?
to the school dance
"He whispered something to Ms. Coe and she nodded. And then I was stunned because she nodded and pointed to me"
What does stun mean?
to make someone feel shocked.
Where is Maya's family from?
Kazakhstan
Why does Maya give an incorrect translation of what the principal says about Nurzhan?
She doesn't want her dad to get angry or her brother to get in trouble.
How did Nurzhan help to resolve the story's conflict?
By offering to be Maya's chaperone; she was able to go to the dance.
Who did Maya dance with?
Daniel
"When Aunt Madina asked us to come to America.......Aunt Madina sponsored us, and not long after we got here". What does the word sponsor mean?
someone that supports another persons admission into a group
Where are the two main places the story takes place?
School and Maya's home
Why are Maya's parents stricter than her friends parents?
They are from a country with different customs.
How was the conflict resolved?
Maya's parents signed the permission slip and her brother "chaperones" her.
Where is Nurzhan while Maya is dancing.
sitting in a chair in the corner
"I stayed on the line while the dispatcher radioed Papa."
What does the word dispatcher mean?
a person who sends out vehicles according to a schedule.
a person who sends out information.
What is the conflict of the story?
Maya wants her parents to sign a permission slip for her to go to the school dance.
Why was Maya's papa upset with her when he picked her up from gymnastics? (lines 490-500)
Daniel picked Maya up in his arms.
How did Maya feel about Nurzhan being her chaperone?
She is worried about what her friends will say.
Where does Nurzhan go everytime Maya dances with Daniel?
To the bathroom
"the school can't allow fights, and this was no little scuffle."
What does the word scuffle mean?
a disorderly fight
Why does Maya take the permission slip if she thinks her parents will say "Nyet" or no.
She is hopeful
Why did Maya take Mama's job? (lines 620-630)
Mama fell and her her ankle.
What solution does Nurzhan tell Maya to say to her friends as to why he is at the dance?
That she has to babysit him or she couldn't attend.
Did Maya want Nurzhan to be a chaperone again?
Yes
"Daniel dropped me and I ran to the cab, whimpering and trembling inside like a dog caught stealing a chicken"
What does the word whimpering mean?
to sob or let out a soft cry.