Drawing Conclusions
Why do you think the sisters decide to take the dead man back to Mexico themselves instead of telling an adult?
They are afraid no one will believe them or help, and they feel responsible for the body since they found it.
What is the main idea of Chapter 1?
The sisters discover a body in the river and make a big decision together.
What problem do the girls face when they first find the body in the river?
Deciding what to do and whether to tell someone or handle it themselves.
What choice does Odilia make that affects the whole group?
She decides they should take the body to Mexico.
What surprising thing happens when the sisters cross the border?
They aren't stopped and begin to see the journey as more than just physical.
What can we guess about Odilia's role in the family based on her actions?
She acts as the leader or caretaker, showing maturity and responsibility.
What key detail shows how the sisters feel about their father leaving?
They often mention feeling abandoned and struggle with trust.
How do the girls avoid getting caught by the Border Patrol?
They hide and use clever thinking to stay out of sight.
Why does Juanita often act before thinking? What effect does it have on the group?
She’s impulsive, which sometimes puts them in danger but also leads to new solutions.
What twist involves the dead man's identity?
He has a deeper connection to the girls' journey than they first thought.
What does the girls' reaction to the Border Patrol tell us about their fears or experiences?
They are scared and distrustful of authority, likely due to past experiences or stories.
What is the main idea of the girls' journey to Mexico?
They are on a quest to return the dead man and find meaning and healing along the way.
What solution does Odilia find to deal with La Llorona's presence?
She listens to her story and shows empathy, which helps them move forward.
How does Pita show bravery in one chapter?
She speaks up or takes action when the others are scared.
What is unexpected about the encounter with La Llorona?
She helps them instead of harming them.
What does the presence of supernatural creatures suggest about the tone or genre of the story?
The story includes magical realism and blends reality with fantasy.
Name two details that support the idea that Odilia is protective of her sisters.
She warns them of danger and often takes charge in risky situations.
How do the girls resolve the problem of having no food or money on their journey?
They rely on each other, receive help from strangers, and make sacrifices.
How do the girls show they're learning from their mistakes by the end of the book?
They make more thoughtful decisions and work together better.
What do we learn about the girls' father that changes their mission?
He has moved on and is not the person they hoped to find.
Based on the way the girls treat each other, what conclusion can you draw about their family dynamic?
They argue but ultimately care deeply for each other and work together.
What is a major theme of the book, and what are two details that support it?
Family unity is a theme; they stick together on their journey and overcome hardships as a group.
What is the most difficult problem the sisters face, and how do they overcome it?
Facing their father and accepting the truth; they overcome it by sticking together and growing stronger.
Which sister changes the most by the end of the story and how?
Odilia becomes more confident and trusting, showing growth.
What's the final surprise at the end of the book? How did you feel about it?
They gain a sense of closure and return home stronger; answers may vary by student.