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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did Mayor's aunt Gloria marry?

2. What tattoo does Garrett have on his neck?

3. When was Gustavo Milhojas born?

4. Where is Isabel from orginally?

5. What Percy Jackson novel does Mayor tell Maribel he had just read?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Alma blame herself for the accident that injured Maribel?

2. Where is the novel principally set? How is the setting described?

3. From what narrative perspective is the novel related? Why is this significant?

4. What obstacles does the winter bring to the Riveras?

5. What are Mayor's circumstances in the opening of the novel?

6. What are some examples of the obstacles faced by the Riveras after their arrival in the U.S.?

7. Where is Arturo's job when the family arrives in the U.S.? What does he do?

8. How does Alma compare her life in Mexico to her life in the U.S.?

9. How is the relationship between Enrique and Rafael different from Rafael's relationship with Mayor?

10. How does Celia help Alma and the Riveras to acclimate to their new life?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the Rivera family with the Toro family. In what ways are the men of these families similar? What connections are there between the women? Which family seems happier? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze and discuss the character of Maribel Rivera. Where is Maribel from? How old is she? What caused the injury that caused Maribel to have brain damage? What are the extents of Maribel's struggles to overcome her injury?

Essay Topic 3

Where does Arturo work? What is his job like? How does his job in the U.S. differ from his work in Mexico? Why does Arturo lose his job?

(see the answer keys)

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