Summary

In “Evening News,” because Mami worries about her family in Cuba when she sees news of the revolution on the television, Engle’s father encourages her to go to Cuba. Engle overhears her father say that it might be their last chance.

In “The Last-Chance Train,” Engle’s mother allows her to take her caterpillars, which are in the process of changing into butterflies, with her as they ride by train to the airport. Engle knows the insects might be detrimental to Cuba but takes them because she wants to watch them develop wings.

In “Flowing,” Engle is confused by the segregated water fountains at the train station in New Orleans. She drinks out of both fountains.

In “Midair,” Engle notes that she, her sister, and her mother are almost the only ones on the plane to...