90 Miles to Havana True and False

Key West is eighty-five miles north-northeast of Havana

Havana is sinking, according to the narrator

The narrator's father believes that catching a big fish on December 31st will bring good luck for the coming year

The narrator and his brothers go fishing with their father on December 31st every year

Julian convinces Papi to let him take a turn on the fishing chair by demonstrating his knowledge and confidence

Bebo advises Julian to look at the water to avoid getting seasick

Bebo is described as someone who takes care of the boat, teaches Julian, and lets him help with tasks

Bebo adjusts the engine with a paper clip and a dime

Bebo's teaching style is highlighted as he explains complex concepts to Julian without underestimating him

Bebo's engine adjustment results in a malfunctioning engine

Julian hopes to catch a fish to bring luck to his father and to have a picture taken with the fish on the dock

The story showcases the family's bond, Julian's determination, and the guidance he receives from Bebo

The family celebrates New Year's Eve on a boat, with carnival music and revelers dancing in the streets above them

Papi helps Julian fit the rod into the chair and gives him a rule to yell if there's any nibble

Julian promises to catch a big fish to cheer up his father

Bebo's teaching style is highlighted as he explains complex concepts to Julian by underestimating him

Julian feels guilty for not speaking up sooner when he had a nibble while fishing

Julian's father attributes his success as an architect to catching a fish on the last day of the year

Angelita leaves the cabin feeling seasick

Bebo lets Julian take the wheel of the boat but Julian declines

Havana seems unusually quiet on New Year's Eve

Julian's mother and Mrs. Garcia exchange jewelry for the night

The text explores Julian's internal struggle with guilt, his father's superstitions, and the unsettling atmosphere of New Year's Eve in Havana

Angelita advises Julian not to feel too bad, as his father goes after big fish for the thrill, not for food or luck

Bebo consoles Julian about making mistakes and emphasizes the importance of learning from them

The atmosphere is tense due to the perceived gunshots, contradicting the usual festive nature of New Year's Eve

Bebo skillfully navigates the boat through a dark channel with the help of El Morro's light, avoiding the cliffs

Gordo believes the distant popping sounds to be gunshots

Julian initially feels sick from the rocking boat and the smell of cigar smoke

Julian immediately calls for help when he senses a tug on his fishing rod

Julian wants to be the hero and catch the fish himself, so he hesitates to call for help

Julian's family tries to intervene and help him reel in the fish

The fish suddenly leaps out of the water, revealing its enormous size, and the line snaps, causing Julian to lose the fish

Julian feels immense regret and disappointment for losing the fish and wanting to be the hero

Alquilino unexpectedly enters the cabin, showing signs of nervousness around Angelita

Julian's interactions with Angelita and Alquilino reveal the dynamics of their friendship and the changes brought by adolescence

The story captures Julian's internal struggle and the complex emotions he experiences after losing the fish

Julian's desire to be the hero and the pressure he feels from his family and friends are central themes in the narrative

The story ends with Julian feeling isolated and regretful, while his friend Angelita attempts to comfort him

Julian's friend Angelita tries to console him after losing the fish

True or false: The city of Havana was unusually quiet and eerie on New Year's Eve?

True or false: Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, was not allowed to engage in typical activities by Alida?

True or false: The family witnessed men with pistols and gunshots on the dock as they celebrated New Year's Eve?

True or false: The family left the scene in a hurry after the men with pistols departed?

True or false: The family drove through the city witnessing chaotic scenes of people chanting, dancing, and throwing furniture as part of a revolution?

True or false: The narrator's father and mother listened to a radio announcement about the dictator fleeing the country with his family and money?

True or false: The narrator starts to feel that anything could happen at any time in the city?

True or false: The narrator reflects on the loss of a big fish and the impact it had on his father?

True or false: Bebo was preparing food in the kitchen the next morning after the eventful New Year's Eve?

True or false: The narrator's family members all had similar reactions to the political events unfolding in Havana?

True or false: The narrator's mother set out food and Mrs. Garcia handed out party hats on New Year's Eve?

True or false: The father broke out confetti and fireworks during an unusually quiet dinner on New Year's Eve?

Bebo is preparing a new omelet for Julian and expresses that once the eggs are cracked, nothing stays the same.

Bebo expresses worry that he won't like the new omelet and that's why he's crying.

The Garcias were unusually quiet at breakfast because they announced that they were leaving the country.

The narrator's mother, father, and Angelita all had similar reactions at breakfast on the day the Garcias announced they were leaving the country.

True or false: The Garcia family is leaving for Miami due to the political situation in Cuba?

True or false: Mr. Garcia believes the current revolution is different from previous ones?

True or false: The Garcias are being searched by a woman in a black dress before leaving?

True or false: The woman seems to be looking for secret hiding places in their suitcases?

True or false: Angelita defies the woman by refusing to give up a necklace, symbolizing resistance?

True or false: The woman calls them 'guzanos' (worms) as they leave?

True or false: The soldiers seal the Garcia's house with a red paper stamp and a warning sign?

True or false: The family tries to retrieve a gold swallow necklace from the sealed house?

True or false: The woman emphasizes that there will be no more exceptions due to the new regulations?

True or false: The text portrays the family's struggle with the changing political environment?

True or false: The story illustrates the impact of the revolution on the daily lives of Cuban families?

Bebo leaves because he is being sent to school for engineering by the government.

Gordo throws an almond at a boy, hitting him in the forehead, making him cry.

Julian is concerned that the boy could have been seriously hurt by the almond.

The story takes place in a setting near the beach and a house with an almond tree.

The narrative explores the complexities of sibling relationships and individual identity.

Alquilino and Gordo are Julian's brothers.

The story explores themes of growing up and finding one's path.

Bebo advises Julian not to live in the shadow of his brothers and to find his own game.

The text reflects on the characters' actions and their implications for personal growth.

Gordo justifies his actions, saying that people can't get away with things in the real world.

Bebo teaches Julian to think and solve problems, but advises him to find his own path.

The dialogue between Bebo, Julian, and Gordo reveals their perspectives on life and maturity.

True or false: The protagonist's mother is upset about the lack of access to her favorite TV shows and radio programs?

True or false: The neighborhood is becoming deserted as families leave and their homes are sealed by soldiers?

True or false: The boys plan to break into the house to search for something?

True or false: The leader delivers lengthy speeches on TV, causing frustration among the citizens?

True or false: The protagonist sneaks out to join the exploration with his brother and friend?

True or false: The family is facing personal struggles, including a missing pin and strained neighborly relations?

True or false: People are leaving the country due to the political situation?

True or false: The streets are filled with soldiers, causing disruptions in daily life?

True or false: The protagonist's brother and friend are planning a secretive adventure?

True or false: The protagonist is determined to join the exploration?

True or false: Long lines are forming for basic necessities like gas, food, and at the U.S. Embassy for passports?

True or false: The neighborhood is becoming deserted as families leave and their homes are sealed by soldiers?

True or false: The protagonist and his friends enter a neighbor's house to find hidden valuables?

True or false: The protagonist believes a specific item is hidden in a secret spot in the house?

True or false: The protagonist and his friends encounter the neighbor and her son at their own house?

True or false: The protagonist successfully returns the stolen items without their parents knowing?

True or false: The protagonist becomes a hero by returning the stolen items without getting caught?

True or false: The protagonist places the stolen item in the kitchen cabinet for his mother to find?

True or false: The story is about the protagonist's dangerous and thrilling adventure?

True or false: The protagonist and his friends initially plan to steal the hidden valuables?

True or false: The protagonist feels guilty for his actions during the midnight adventure?

True or false: The protagonist's friends help him return the stolen items to the neighbor?

True or false: The neighbor and her son are unaware of the protagonist's actions?

True or false: The protagonist's parents are aware of the midnight adventure?

True or false: The narrator's family is being searched at the airport before leaving the country?

True or false: The narrator's real name is Alquilino?

True or false: The guard finds a hidden bird in the narrator's suitcase?

True or false: The narrator's mother hands an envelope to the man behind the desk at the airport?

True or false: The boys are promised two dollars on Saturdays if they behave and get along?

True or false: The camp is described as being overcrowded, with over 120 kids sleeping in the same dormitory?

True or false: The boys notice a wild, vine-covered area outside the fence and express concern about the possibility of snakes?

True or false: The camp looks exactly like the American camps in the pictures shown to the narrator by his mother?

True or false: The boys are promised a small amount of money if they behave and get along?

True or false: The narrator is impressed by the hospital-like room in the dormitory?

True or false: The camp is surrounded by a tall chain-link fence, and the boys notice a dangerous-looking swamp outside?

True or false: The boys meet a boy named Pepe, who is found building a treehouse inside the camp?

True or false: The boys are taken to the camp by a young priest who relies on older boys to maintain order?

True or false: Caballo, an older boy, teases the narrator by calling the dormitory a 'private suite'?

True or false: The narrator struggles to carry a mattress to the dormitory?

True or false: The boys settle into the camp, stashing their suitcases and visiting the nearby town?

Pepe, Alquilino, and Angelita find a girl named Angelita in a hidden tunnel.

Angelita's family had to leave Cuba due to a difficult situation at the airport.

The children in the camp are playing, but there are no adults around.

Angelita describes the camp as a place where the big eat the small.

The children's play seems intense and lacks the usual laughter and fun.

The refugee camp is a challenging place for the children, with a lack of adult supervision.

The text portrays the harsh reality of life in a Cuban refugee camp through the experiences of the children.

Angelita's mother made her promise to protect Pepe with her life.

The children are focused on their play, suggesting a difficult environment.

The narrator's mother, father, and Angelita all had similar reactions at breakfast on the day the Garcias announced they were leaving the country.

Key West is eighty-five miles north-northeast of Havana.

Havana seems unusually quiet on New Year's Eve.

True or false: Julian's father handed him a box of Cuban cigars before their departure?

True or false: The family landed in Miami and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and relief?

True or false: Julian took a moment to observe the new landscape before being prodded to pay attention?

True or false: A man in a dark suit attempted to take the box of cigars from Julian, causing a tense moment?

True or false: Julian's brother instructed him to grab the cigars as they disembarked the airplane?

True or false: Julian's mother signaled him to wait outside during a search at the airport, proud of their forged passports?

True or false: Julian reflected on the broken plate in his pocket as a reminder of their disrupted life?

True or false: Julian is stopped by a guard during a search at the airport, and he yells for his parents, causing a commotion?

True or false: Julian's father entrusted him with the box of cigars before rushing to catch their airplane?

True or false: Julian noticed a broken plate in his pocket while at the airport?

True or false: The man in a dark suit successfully took the box of cigars from Julian without any resistance?

True or false: Julian felt immense regret and disappointment for losing the fish and wanting to be the hero?

True or false: The narrator encounters a man trying to steal his box of cigars upon arriving in the United States?

True or false: The narrator's father advised him that Cuban cigars are as good as dollars?

True or false: The narrator believes the president of the United States is named Kennedy and is fond of Cuban cigars?

True or false: The narrator and his brothers are surrounded by a mob of children at the pool?

True or false: The narrator's encounter with the cigar thief and the bullying behavior of Caballo highlight the initial struggles of adapting to a new country?

True or false: The narrator notices his brothers taking off their clothes to blend in at the pool?

True or false: The narrator dives underwater to avoid being dunked by the crowd at the pool?

True or false: The narrator is left in his underwear as the crowd laughs at him?

True or false: Caballo, known for bullying, threatens and pushes the narrator's brother Gordo?

True or false: A booming voice intervenes, questioning if this is the way to welcome fellow countrymen?

True or false: The text depicts the challenges and cultural clashes faced by Cuban refugees upon arriving in the United States?

True or false: The story portrays the narrator's confusion, adaptation, and adjustment to the unfamiliar environment of the United States?

True or false: The narrator's father attributes his success as an architect to catching a fish on the last day of the year

True or false: The family witnessed men with pistols and gunshots on the dock as they celebrated New Year's Eve

True or false: The protagonist successfully returns the stolen items without their parents knowing

True or false: The narrator notices his brothers taking off their clothes to blend in at the pool

Angelita suggests bribing a boy named Paco, who is obsessed with Rice Krispies, to obtain cereal boxes for their plan

The group successfully steals twelve Rice Krispies boxes without Dolores noticing

Gordo proposes that Julian and Pepe distract Dolores while he steals the cereal boxes

The group considers stealing the cereal boxes from Dolores, who guards them closely

The group sets their plan in motion and Julian and Pepe attempt to steal the cereal boxes

The group needs six boxes of Rice Krispies to execute their plan

The group discusses using a forged letter to delay consequences, but are wary of handwriting scrutiny

The group decides to use a typewriter to create a more convincing letter

The group's plan to deceive and buy time for themselves is set in motion with the successful acquisition of the cereal boxes

Julian and Pepe successfully execute the theft, contributing to the group's deception plan

The group plans to deceive someone in their community to buy time

The group is composed of Angelita, Alquilino, Gordo, and Julian

True or false: Dolores promises to speak to the director about the living conditions of the boys?

True or false: The director found homes for the boys in Denver and Chicago?

True or false: Alquilino and Gordo are sent to Denver, while Julian is sent to Chicago?

True or false: The boys are distressed by the prospect of being separated and try to persuade the director to let them stay together?

True or false: The director insists that the boys have to leave unless they have a sponsor?

True or false: Angelita warns the boys about the harsh conditions in the Colorado orphanage and expresses uncertainty about their uncle's arrival?

True or false: The boys realize that their futures are uncertain and are worried about being separated and the reliability of their uncle's sponsorship?

True or false: The story revolves around the challenges and uncertainties faced by orphaned boys as they navigate their future?

True or false: The boys are left grappling with the uncertainty of their fate as they face the possibility of being sent to different places and the reliability of their uncle's support?

True or false: The text highlights the boys' anxiety and desperation as they navigate the uncertainty of their futures and the potential separation from each other?

True or false: The boys are left in a state of anxiety and uncertainty regarding their future and their potential separation?

True or false: The director gives the boys a deadline to confirm their uncle's sponsorship before they can stay?

True or false: The protagonist, Dolores, is promised a call by the president, leading to her emotional reaction.

True or false: Gordo and the protagonist have a secretive interaction involving twelve boxes.

True or false: Gordo orchestrates a deal with a kid named Paco, using cereal boxes as bait.

True or false: The group must wait for Paco to type a letter and for a trip to Miami to mail the letter.

True or false: The protagonist recalls drawing a map and thinking about his mother.

True or false: The children eagerly anticipate a trip to Miami, which is decided by Caballo.

True or false: Marta criticizes the unfairness of Caballo's selection process, marking the first public objection.

True or false: The English teacher allows proficient English speakers to leave, but the protagonist stays due to his fondness for the teacher.

True or false: The teacher leads the children in singing a song, which evolves into a humorous adaptation.

True or false: The children enjoy singing about a hammer and a bikini, adding their own twist to the song.

True or false: The protagonist's mother is mentioned as part of the story.

True or false: The children in the orphanage successfully mail the letter to Miami.

True or false: Caballo and his friends successfully break up the singing flock?

True or false: Marta organizes the girls into a choir, and the singing becomes church-like?

True or false: Julian draws a picture of El Fideo and Pepe at the baseball game while people are still singing?

True or false: It is the first time the group didn't let Caballo push them around, and they stuck together against him?

True or false: Gordo takes baseball seriously and is determined to win against Caballo?

True or false: Gordo gets the upper hand with two strikes against Caballo?

True or false: Angelita urges Gordo to give Caballo an easy pitch?

True or false: Julian confronts Gordo about hitting a kid and the potential consequences, but Gordo walks away?

True or false: The crowd at the game is filled with onlookers from the camp, and Dolores and the director are absent?

True or false: Gordo's actions and the tension at the game may result in the camp being sent away?

True or false: Caballo taunts Gordo, and Gordo gives in to the taunts?

True or false: The singing flock gives up singing when Caballo confronts Pepe at the plate?

True or false: Tomás claims that the inspiration is what makes the 'Tomás-ade' good, not just the ingredients?

True or false: Tomás is trying to make enough money to fix up his boat, not to become a millionaire?

True or false: The kind of boat Tomás has doesn't float yet, but he believes it will soon?

True or false: The old truck engine sputters and tomatoes bounce out into the sun at the end of the passage?

The group meets every morning after breakfast on top of the shed to talk and to decide on the trick for that day.

There is no boss or dictator in the group, they listen to everybody’s ideas and then vote on the ones they like.

The group is trying to do things democratic like Dolores says it’s done in America.

Julian fixes a truck's carburetor using a dime and impresses Tomás, who invites him to work on his boat

Julian and his friends work at the tomato fields and encounter Caballo, who demands money for breaking camp rules

Julian confronts Caballo but is physically overpowered and threatened

Angelita pays the fine for Julian, who becomes determined to retaliate against Caballo

Julian convinces Papi to let him take a turn on the fishing chair by demonstrating his knowledge and confidence

The boys settle into the camp, stashing their suitcases and visiting the nearby town

The narrator encounters a man trying to steal his box of cigars upon arriving in the United States

The narrator's mother set out food and Mrs. Garcia handed out party hats on New Year's Eve

The director insists that the boys have to leave unless they have a sponsor

Key West is eighty-five miles north-northeast of Havana

The refugee camp is a challenging place for the children, with a lack of adult supervision

Angelita's mother made her promise to protect Pepe with her life

True or false: The protagonist draws himself larger and more confident, symbolizing overcoming fear?

True or false: The director values Caballo's control over the camp and disregards his wrongdoings?

True or false: Angelita reveals that Caballo caused the departure of the protagonist's brothers?

True or false: The protagonist worries about his brothers' safety in a different camp?

True or false: Angelita empathizes with Caballo's loneliness, suggesting a complex dynamic?

True or false: The protagonist and Angelita ponder the challenges and loneliness of their situation?

True or false: The protagonist feels small despite his efforts to appear confident in the noisy dormitory?

True or false: The protagonist seeks solace by drawing on a piece of paper, expressing his fear and anger?

True or false: The protagonist encounters a black, thick snake climbing up a screen and is surprised by Angelita?

True or false: The narrator feels ashamed and scared after being intimidated by a bully named Caballo?

True or false: Angelita discloses that Caballo tried to help by warning her about the fake letter?

True or false: The protagonist learns from Bebo that dwelling on fear is unproductive and must focus past it?

True or false: The protagonist is urged by Dolores to "teach him a lesson" using a screwdriver?

True or false: Dolores explains democracy as a process where people decide what's best for all, and everyone's vote counts the same?

True or false: The protagonist begins to execute the plan by tampering with a bunk bed, but is interrupted by Angelita?

True or false: Angelita informs the protagonist that their friend Pepe has been sent to a foster home?

True or false: The protagonist and Angelita form a partnership to carry out the plan to teach someone a lesson?

True or false: They brainstorm and document various pranks in a notebook?

True or false: Ramón has a reputation for pulling off daring pranks?

True or false: The group continues to plan and execute pranks to teach the lesson to the target?

True or false: The group sets their plan in motion and Julian and Pepe attempt to steal the cereal boxes?

True or false: Angelita's family had to leave Cuba due to a difficult situation at the airport?

True or false: Havana seems unusually quiet on New Year's Eve?

True or false: Bebo leaves because he is being sent to school for engineering by the government?

True or false: Angelita compares Caballo to a snake, suggesting that he can be harmless if handled right, offering a strategy for dealing with him.

True or false: Dolores shares that she sent her son up north to live with his father when he got older and couldn't handle him.

True or false: Dolores compares Caballo to a dictator, mentioning that in America, dictators are elected and can be voted out, unlike in the situation at the camp.

True or false: A younger boy puts his dessert on Caballo's tray, seemingly seeking approval and placement on Caballo's mental list of friends and enemies.

True or false: Dolores feels powerless to confront Caballo due to needing the job as a cook.

True or false: The interactions with Angelita and Dolores show different perspectives and approaches to handling the bully, highlighting the need for solidarity and strategies for coping with such situations.

True or false: The text conveys a sense of helplessness and the need for support in dealing with bullies like Caballo.

True or false: The narrator feels a sense of sadness and helplessness about the situation with Caballo.

True or false: The narrator encounters Dolores, who serves him grits and offers to help him fix a broken plate with glue from her son's drawing box.

True or false: Dolores gives the narrator her son's drawing materials, noting that she hasn't seen him in years and it's time to let go of the box.

True or false: Dolores expresses empathy for the narrator's brothers being sent away, blaming Caballo for the situation.

True or false: The narrator's family is being searched at the airport before leaving the country?

True or false: The driver warns the children to stay away from Laundromats due to a previous incident with some Americans?

True or false: The driver is annoyed by the protagonist's attempt to be helpful?

True or false: The driver has another run to the airport right after this one?

True or false: The driver chuckles about the Americans putting someone in a dryer and pumping in dimes?

True or false: Angelita and the protagonist find Tomás at Pirate Angel's, a place where he gets free sugar and lives nearby?

True or false: Doctor Alejandro De La Vega is a surgeon from Havana, now working as a dishwasher to support his children in the US?

True or false: Doctor De La Vega is studying at night to pass the required tests to practice medicine in the US?

True or false: Doctor De La Vega expresses gratitude for being in the US despite the hardships, emphasizing the heartbreak of parents sending their children away?

True or false: The doctor mentions Tomás's involvement in preparing the camp for Pedro Pan kids and talks about Dolores, the cook at the camp?

True or false: The text highlights the resilience and sacrifices of individuals like Doctor De La Vega who come to the US seeking a better life?

True or false: Angelita is memorizing street names to avoid getting lost as they walk through a busy street, observing the city's hustle and bustle?

True or false: The waitress notices Tomás's handwriting on Angelita's map and calls for Doctor Alejandro De La Vega?

True or false: Doctor De La Vega's Cuban medical license is valid in the United States?

True or false: The doctor mentions that he came to the US with his children?

True or false: The doctor is preparing to practice law in the US instead of medicine?

True or false: The doctor mentions that he came to the US alone and left his children in Havana?

Angelita unexpectedly appears, rescues Julian, and retrieves the suitcase from the river.

Julian misunderstands the intentions of the guys at the bridge, thinking they were going to harm him.

Julian expresses his surprise to Angelita and his disappointment that she didn't accompany him.

The doctor gives Angelita a bag of sandwiches and sugar packets and tells her to find Tomás down the road.

Julian leaves Angelita due to his own unresolved emotions about his past.

The guys corner Julian on the bridge, and he contemplates jumping into the river.

The narrator's father believes that catching a big fish on December 31st will bring good luck for the coming year.

The atmosphere is tense due to the perceived gunshots, contradicting the usual festive nature of New Year's Eve.

Bebo navigates the boat through a dark channel with the help of El Morro's light, avoiding the cliffs.

Julian's desire to be the hero and the pressure he feels from his family and friends are central themes in the narrative.

The family left the scene in a hurry after the men with pistols departed.

The group discusses using a forged letter to delay consequences, but are wary of handwriting scrutiny.

Tomás found the boat after it was torn off its mooring by a hurricane and claimed ownership using the Right of Salvage principle.

The deck of Tomás's boat is crowded with rusting engine parts, nails, bolts, tin cans, and flattened tin sheets, showcasing his resourcefulness and ability to repurpose items.

Tomás advises the narrator against returning to the camp and acknowledges the narrator's bravery, indicating that it would not be a good idea to go back.

The encounter with Tomás by the river provides the narrator with support and understanding, offering a sense of belonging and validation for their actions.

Tomás and Dog arrive on an overloaded boat and greet the narrator and Angelita.

The narrator and Angelita paddle to a rough dock made of telephone poles and crates tied together, calling out for Tomás, but he doesn't answer, so they climb up a rickety ladder to the deck of the boat.

The riverbank is littered with wrecked cars, old tires, and sleepy turtles, and they spot an old wooden boat perched ten feet up the bank, which they believe belongs to Tomás.

Tomás prepares dinner and questions the narrator about their visit, learning about their troubles with Caballo, a crooked individual at the camp, and shares his own experience with Caballo.

Tomás explains that the tide is changing and asks for their help unloading the boat, and they assist in carrying heavy planks up the steep muddy bank.

Tomás mentions that he plans to restore the rusty engine found on the boat.

The narrator and Angelita are on a river, surrounded by nature, with the sounds of flowing water and birdcalls mixing with the hum of the highway.

Tomás leads them into a surprisingly clean, uncluttered cabin with navigational charts and a brass compass.

Tomás was aware of his father's plan to escape from Cuba and decided to flee, leaving his father and the navy officers behind.

Angelita leaves a note for Julian, saying she had to ensure his safety but had to return, and she will stay in touch through Tomás.

Julian encounters a guard who orders him to leave in a degrading manner upon arriving at the Fontainebleau Hotel.

The text portrays the emotional struggles of leaving loved ones behind and the challenges of starting anew in a foreign place.

The narrative highlights the difficult decisions and sacrifices made by individuals fleeing their home country for a better future.

Julian feels the weight of leaving behind his family and the wet clothes in his suitcase, but tries to focus on the present.

The protagonist successfully returns the stolen items without their parents knowing.

The group's plan to deceive and buy time for themselves is set in motion with the successful acquisition of the cereal boxes.

The narrator's family is being searched at the airport before leaving the country.

Gordo believes the distant popping sounds to be gunshots.

The family celebrates New Year's Eve on a boat, with carnival music and revelers dancing in the streets above them.

The narrator's father advised him that Cuban cigars are as good as dollars.

True or false: The woman on the phone claims to not know Julian and denies having any connection to his parents.

True or false: The woman recognizes Julian's parents and provides him with a potential clue to their whereabouts.

True or false: Julian is able to successfully obtain the information about his parents' location from the woman on the phone.

True or false: The woman on the phone expresses no knowledge of Julian's parents' whereabouts and seems unhelpful.

True or false: The protagonist lies about the location of buried money in exchange for information about his missing parents?

True or false: The protagonist dreams about his parents and struggles with the inability to control his dreams?

True or false: The protagonist becomes paranoid, suspecting that a person named Ramirez is looking for him?

True or false: The protagonist carefully assesses his surroundings for any signs of danger before disembarking from the bus?

True or false: The protagonist prepares to sell 'Tomás-ade' with Tomás to make money, and Tomás helps him with the logistics of transporting the product?

True or false: The protagonist encounters suspicious individuals in a dark sedan while transporting the 'Tomás-ade' to the bus stop?

True or false: The protagonist attempts to avoid revealing the truth to a man named Tomás, fearing he might lose his place on Tomás's boat?

True or false: The protagonist decides to search for his parents on his own and starts calling the numbers in a notebook his mother left for him?

True or false: The protagonist is worried about being found out and takes precautions to avoid being followed?

True or false: The protagonist believes that Angelita has potentially revealed his location to Ramirez?

True or false: The protagonist remains vigilant and cautious, checking for any presence of the suspicious individuals before continuing his journey?

True or false: The protagonist becomes paranoid and seeks distraction by staying busy?

True or false: Julian decides to keep quiet about his phone call and awaits the outcome, feeling conflicted and anxious about the situation.

True or false: Armando becomes angry and confrontational with Tomás over money for gas.

True or false: The text captures the tension between the characters and Julian's internal struggle, creating a sense of unease and anticipation.

True or false: The story highlights the complex relationships between the characters and the challenges they face in their environment.

True or false: Julian recalls a number written by Bebo in his notebook and decides to call it; Bebo answers and they have a conversation.

True or false: Julian asks Bebo to pass a message to his parents about Mami's little bird in Reglas and the need to take the first ferry on the twelfth.

True or false: Julian feels uncertain after the call, worrying about the potential outcomes of his message and the situation with his family.

True or false: Julian reflects on the potential consequences of his message and the uncertainty of the situation with his family.

True or false: Julian is working at a hotel where he has to give half of the money he collects from drawing to a man called monkey man, who doesn't own the hotel.

True or false: The narrative provides insight into Julian's emotional turmoil and the dynamics of the relationships among the characters.

True or false: Tomás becomes agitated, throws Armando's notes out the window, and demands the money he was promised.

True or false: The story revolves around the challenges and uncertainties faced by orphaned boys as they navigate their future.

True or false: The protagonist is successful in making phone calls to his father's office?

True or false: Dog displays wolf-like characteristics that make the protagonist feel at ease?

True or false: The narrator sets up a table to sell Tomás-ade on a street in Havana

True or false: Despite the protagonist's suspicions, Tomás trusts Dog and continues to work with him on the boat's engine?

True or false: The narrator worries that no matter what name he gives, Officer Ramirez will eventually find him

True or false: The protagonist connects the red wires, leading to the successful ignition of the boat's engine?

True or false: The narrator draws a horse and rider on the sidewalk and starts earning money from tourists

True or false: The story explores themes of trust, suspicion, and the protagonist's growing unease with Dog's behavior and appearance?

True or false: The narrator is confronted by Officer Ramirez, who questions him about his identity and residence

True or false: The text provides a glimpse into the protagonist's internal struggle and the dynamics of trust and suspicion between the characters?

True or false: The narrator gives a false name and is warned by Ramirez to be careful

True or false: The story is set against the backdrop of a car engine repair?

True or false: The construction workers initially ignore the narrator, but start to buy drinks and leave money

True or false: The protagonist's observations and concerns about Dog's trustworthiness and wolf-like characteristics add tension and mystery to the narrative?

True or false: The narrator then goes to a department store and buys colored chalks

True or false: The protagonist reflects on Tomás' trust in Dog, realizing that Tomás may not be as discerning about people as he is about machines?

True or false: The text depicts the challenges and cultural clashes faced by Cuban refugees upon arriving in the United States

True or false: The protagonist feels completely at ease with Dog's behavior and appearance throughout the story?

True or false: The narrator reflects on the loss of a big fish and the impact it had on his father

True or false: The protagonist's suspicions about Dog add a sense of tension and mystery to the narrative?

True or false: Tomás mentions that he plans to restore the rusty engine found on the boat

True or false: The protagonist's concerns drive the narrative forward and add depth to the exploration of trust and suspicion?

True or false: Bebo navigates the boat through a dark channel with the help of El Morro's light, avoiding the cliffs

True or false: The group successfully steals twelve Rice Krispies boxes without Dolores noticing

True or false: Armando called the T.V. station to report the narrator's disappearance in hopes of getting a job as a newsman?

True or false: The T.V. station's tip about the narrator's disappearance led to the involvement of the police and the Coast Guard?

True or false: Ramirez refers to the narrator as a 'runaway' and a 'hero' in the text?

True or false: Tomás acknowledges that Armando's actions potentially saved their lives, but did it for a different reason than the narrator and himself?

Upon returning to camp, the protagonist finds familiar surroundings.

Dolores, the cook, welcomes the protagonist with a plate of meatloaf.

The protagonist's brothers have left for Connecticut and have sent letters.

Ramirez bids the protagonist farewell and expresses the uniqueness of their case.

The camp is now filled with new kids, and the protagonist wonders about the fate of the old ones.

The protagonist reads letters from their brothers describing the challenges and dangers they face at the orphanage.

The new camp director informs the protagonist about flying alone to Connecticut.

The protagonist arrives at the new neighborhood, consisting of identical, unfinished houses.

The protagonist interacts with girls weaving palm hats, mentioning a girl named Raquel who taught them.

Mr. Mooney mentions a brand-new neighborhood with unfinished and finished houses, all identical.

The protagonist reflects on the fate of other kids from the camp and hopes they are reunited with their families.

The protagonist travels to Connecticut and meets Mr. Mooney, who emphasizes their luck in living with their uncle.

Julian's mother becomes emotional upon discovering a broken plate in his suitcase, a gift to his father

Julian's mother washes his clothes, unaware of his altruistic actions, leading to a misunderstanding

Julian's mother understands his actions after listening to him ironing late at night

The story explores Julian's external conflicts upon returning home and his mother's understanding

Julian's brothers recognize the emotional growth he underwent while reuniting with him

Julian's father is detained for building a hospital and not allowed to leave until completion

Julian reveals he traded a valuable possession for money to help people escape, causing his mother to break down

Julian stays up late listening to his mother ironing, hoping she will understand his actions if she knew the gratitude of the people he helped

The text showcases the challenges of communication and acceptance within a family

Julian's mother feels they have lost everything when she learns about his altruistic actions

Julian's mother discovers a broken plate in his suitcase, a gift to his father, and becomes emotional

Julian is shown a room where he will sleep with his brothers, with little space for himself

True or false: The protagonist's encounter with Gordo on the bus attracts unwanted attention from other students?

True or false: The teacher mispronounces the protagonist's name and plans to send him for a hearing test?

True or false: The protagonist's attempt to help the bully is interrupted by a teacher, leading to a lecture and embarrassment in front of the class?

True or false: The teacher introduces the protagonist to the class, emphasizing his Cuban background?

True or false: The protagonist tries to correct the teacher's mispronunciation of his name?

True or false: The protagonist realizes the fear behind the bully's actions and chooses not to fight?

True or false: The protagonist faces challenges in his attempt to fit in and navigate his new American school?

True or false: The protagonist's unique clothing sets him apart from the other kids at the school?

True or false: The protagonist is confronted by a bully at the school bus, leading to a physical altercation?

True or false: The protagonist's inner thoughts reveal his struggle with the unfamiliar environment and language barriers?

True or false: Protagonist's mother sets out clothes for his first day at an American school, hoping he will fit in and make friends?

True or false: Protagonist's brothers walk him to the bus stop, despite his protests, to protect him from trouble?

True or false: The red-haired girl, Darlene, asks a more thoughtful question, expressing concern about children being sent alone out of Cuba.

True or false: The narrator daydreams about fishing with her family in Cuba, but is interrupted by Mrs. Johnson, who takes an interest in the narrator's drawings and asks about a character named Dolores.

True or false: Mrs. Johnson plans to have the narrator share her story with the class, coinciding with the day of an astronaut launch, linking the narrator's story to the upcoming event.

True or false: The narrator's drawings serve as a way to connect with her past and express her experiences to others.

True or false: The text hints at the potential for the narrator to find acceptance and understanding within her new community.

True or false: The narrator feels disconnected and struggles to understand the lessons, finding solace in drawing pictures that remind her of home.

True or false: The narrator is surprised by Mrs. Johnson's interest, as no one in her family has shown the same curiosity about her experiences.

True or false: Mrs. Johnson's interest in the narrator's story provides a sense of validation and the prospect of sharing her experiences with her classmates.

True or false: The text explores themes of feeling isolated, struggling to adapt to a new environment, and finding comfort in memories of home.

True or false: Classmates ask mocking questions about living conditions in Cuba, causing the narrator to feel self-conscious and reluctant to speak up.

True or false: The narrator, Who-li-an, is teased by classmates about being from a tropical island when Mrs. Johnson points out Cuba on a map of North America.

True or false: The text provides insight into the narrator's emotional journey of adapting to a new environment and finding acceptance.