Summary

In Chapter 17, Magaly asks Malu about school. Malu is reading The Outsiders, and Magaly is enthusiastic, saying she loves the novel. Malu actually loves it too, but she hides her enthusiasm from her mother. Malu can identify with the character from that novel named Ponyboy, saying they both feel “mismatched.” The conversation turns into an argument with Magaly saying she wishes Malu embraced her heritage by speaking Spanish more often. Malu knows she should tell her mom about the band, but she does not want to face additional criticism, and she does not. Magaly says they are both signed up for a dance class the following Saturday. After Magaly leaves to teach a class, Malu calls Michael. She tells him about the band and that the derogatory term “coconut” inspired their name. Michael approves. Michael asks if Malu has told Magaly about the...