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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 told Mayor's family that the new neighbors' last name was Rivera?

2. What event led Mayor's family to cancel their trip to Panama for Celia's birthday?

3. In what village did Gustavo Milhojas and his wife live when she died?

4. What was the amount of the first heating bill that Alma's family received in December?

5. Where does Mayor's dad work?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the theme of migration explored in the novel?

2. Where have the Riveras come from? Why have they come to the U.S.?

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

4. Where is Quisqueya Solis from? Why did she come to the U.S.?

5. How and why does Celia's relationship with Quisqueya change?

6. Describe Maribel Rivera. How old is she? What is her demeanor like when she is introduced?

7. What various attempts have Mayor's family made to visit Panama? What prevented them from doing so?

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

9. Who is Gustavo Milhojas and what led him to the U.S.?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the character of Mayor Toro in The Book of Unknown Americans. How old is Mayor? What are his likes and dislikes? Where is his family from? What attracts Mayor to Maribel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the sibling rivalry and jealousy that is seen between Mayor and his brother Enrique. In what ways does Mayor resent Enrique? In what ways does he envy his brother? How are each of the brothers' relationships with their parents different?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of blame and guilt in The Book of Unknown Americans. Why does Alma blame herself for Maribel's accident? Do you think that her guilt is justified? Who is responsible for Arturo's death?

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample