Characters
Which band inspired Fausto to want to play guitar?
Los Lobos
Why did Fausto hesitate to ask his parents for a guitar?
Because his parents disliked rock and would likely refuse; also financial constraints (“money doesn’t grow on trees”).
What snack did Fausto eat while he waited after getting the quarter?
an orange
Who is the author of No Guitar Blues?
Gary Soto
Who are Los Lobos?
A rock and roll band
What excuse did Fausto plan to use to get a reward from the dog’s owners?
He planned to say he found Roger near the freeway so owners would be grateful and give a reward.
What can you infer about the couple’s social class and values from details in their home? List two details that support your inference.
Inference: wealthy/comfortable — evidence: large TV, shiny furniture, warm bread smells, silk robe, bright kitchen with copper pans, bell-shaped glass clock.
What was Fausto’s first plan to earn money before he switched to raking?
Mowing lawns (then realized it was winter), raking leaves, going to stores to buy bread (errand), door-to-door errands in nicer neighborhoods.
Where was the guitar invented?
Spain
Describe Fausto’s internal conflict after he accepted the money. Use one line of evidence from the text.
He felt guilt and wanted to confess; evidence: “He felt bad, like the time he stole a dollar... He wanted to run to church for Saturday confession…”
What theme about honesty and generosity emerges from Fausto’s actions? Explain briefly.
Theme: honesty and generosity matter; Fausto feels guilt and then gives the money away, showing conscience and compassion.
Put these events in order: Fausto finds Roger, Fausto goes to church and donates, Fausto asks his mother for a guitar, Fausto receives the guitarron from his grandfather.
Correct order: Fausto asks his mother for a guitar (before he leaves to work), Fausto finds Roger, Fausto goes to church and donates, Fausto receives the guitarron from his grandfather.
What is Fausto's concflict>
He wants a guitar
Who is his grandfather?
Lupe
How do Fausto’s parents’ musical tastes differ from his? Give two named examples of artists or styles.
Parents liked conjunto music — Lydia Mendoza, Flaco Jimenez, Little Joe y La Familia; Fausto liked rock (Los Lobos, dreams of American Bandstand).
Why does Fausto give the twenty-dollar bill to the church collection instead of keeping it?
Reasons: guilt/remorse over lying, desire to be honest before God (go to confession), moved by the couple’s kindness; textual support: he wanted to confess, he felt bad and later “stuck a hand reluctantly in his pocket and pulled out the twenty-dollar bill” and gave it.
How much money did the man give Fausto, and what did Fausto ultimately do with it?
He gave him $20 and he donated it to church.
What does his mother make?
tortillas
What was the name of the album his parents bought?
Tje Chipmunks Sing Christmas Favorites
Analyze how Fausto’s actions toward Roger (the dog) reveal his priorities and values. Use at least two specific moments from the passage.
Student answers vary; good responses cite how he calls Roger, checks the license, plans the lie for money, feels guilt after receiving the twenty, then chooses to give it to the church — shows ambition but also developing conscience
The story shows Fausto imagining a future as a musician. What does this hope reveal about the larger theme of ambition and opportunity?
Student answers vary; evidence: Fausto’s persistent dream after seeing Los Lobos, practice with the guitarron, his plan to start a band and play on American Bandstand — shows ambition overcoming obstacles and finding opportunity through family support.
What instrument does Fausto recieve?
A guitarron
Whar does he eat at Roger's owner's house?
turnover