Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the distance between Key West and the fishing location?
What is the distance between Key West and the fishing location?
- 85 miles north-northeast (correct)
- 70 miles east-southeast
- 100 miles due north
- 50 miles north
Why is the narrator's father not too happy?
Why is the narrator's father not too happy?
- He is worried about the weather
- He hasn’t caught any fish the whole day (correct)
- He is feeling seasick
- He is tired and wants to go home
What does the narrator's father believe about catching a big fish on December 31st?
What does the narrator's father believe about catching a big fish on December 31st?
- It is a family tradition
- It ensures a good catch every day
- It brings good luck for the coming year (correct)
- It guarantees a successful fishing trip
What is the significance of the narrator and his brothers going fishing on December 31st?
What is the significance of the narrator and his brothers going fishing on December 31st?
What does Julian emphasize when asking his father for a turn on the fishing chair?
What does Julian emphasize when asking his father for a turn on the fishing chair?
Why does Julian promise to catch a big fish?
Why does Julian promise to catch a big fish?
How does Bebo advise Julian to avoid getting seasick?
How does Bebo advise Julian to avoid getting seasick?
What does Bebo use to adjust the engine of the boat?
What does Bebo use to adjust the engine of the boat?
What does Julian hope to bring to his father by catching a fish?
What does Julian hope to bring to his father by catching a fish?
What does Papi instruct Julian to do if there's any nibble on the fishing rod?
What does Papi instruct Julian to do if there's any nibble on the fishing rod?
How does Julian convince Papi to let him take a turn on the fishing chair?
How does Julian convince Papi to let him take a turn on the fishing chair?
What is Bebo's role in relation to the boat?
What is Bebo's role in relation to the boat?
What does Julian hope to do after catching a fish?
What does Julian hope to do after catching a fish?
What is highlighted about Bebo's teaching style?
What is highlighted about Bebo's teaching style?
What results from Bebo's engine adjustment?
What results from Bebo's engine adjustment?
What does the story primarily showcase?
What does the story primarily showcase?
What does Julian feel when he senses a tug on his fishing rod?
What does Julian feel when he senses a tug on his fishing rod?
Why does Julian struggle to reel in the fish?
Why does Julian struggle to reel in the fish?
What happens when the fish suddenly leaps out of the water?
What happens when the fish suddenly leaps out of the water?
How does Julian feel after losing the fish?
How does Julian feel after losing the fish?
What do Julian's interactions with Angelita and Alquilino reveal?
What do Julian's interactions with Angelita and Alquilino reveal?
What are the central themes in the narrative?
What are the central themes in the narrative?
Why does Julian hesitate to call for help when he senses a tug on his fishing rod?
Why does Julian hesitate to call for help when he senses a tug on his fishing rod?
What does the story capture about Julian's emotions?
What does the story capture about Julian's emotions?
How does Julian react to his family's attempts to intervene while catching the fish?
How does Julian react to his family's attempts to intervene while catching the fish?
What is the outcome of Julian's struggle to reel in the fish?
What is the outcome of Julian's struggle to reel in the fish?
How does the story end for Julian?
How does the story end for Julian?
What does Julian's friend Angelita try to do after Julian loses the fish?
What does Julian's friend Angelita try to do after Julian loses the fish?
What does Angelita attribute Julian's father's fishing activity to?
What does Angelita attribute Julian's father's fishing activity to?
Who skillfully navigates the boat through a dark channel with the help of El Morro's light?
Who skillfully navigates the boat through a dark channel with the help of El Morro's light?
What does Gordo believe the distant popping sounds in Havana to be on New Year's Eve?
What does Gordo believe the distant popping sounds in Havana to be on New Year's Eve?
What does Julian's father attribute his success to?
What does Julian's father attribute his success to?
Who advises Julian not to feel too bad about losing a fish?
Who advises Julian not to feel too bad about losing a fish?
What does Bebo emphasize the importance of to Julian?
What does Bebo emphasize the importance of to Julian?
Who struggles to stay below deck until it gets dark?
Who struggles to stay below deck until it gets dark?
What does Julian feel guilty about?
What does Julian feel guilty about?
Who declines the opportunity to take the wheel of the boat?
Who declines the opportunity to take the wheel of the boat?
What does Havana seem to be on New Year's Eve?
What does Havana seem to be on New Year's Eve?
What are Julian's mother and Mrs. Garcia seen doing on New Year's Eve?
What are Julian's mother and Mrs. Garcia seen doing on New Year's Eve?
What does the text explore?
What does the text explore?
What did the narrator's family witness on the dock on New Year's Eve?
What did the narrator's family witness on the dock on New Year's Eve?
What was Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, dressed in on New Year's Eve?
What was Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, dressed in on New Year's Eve?
Why did the family hide under the table during the New Year's Eve celebration?
Why did the family hide under the table during the New Year's Eve celebration?
What did the narrator's family witness as they drove through the city after the New Year's Eve incident?
What did the narrator's family witness as they drove through the city after the New Year's Eve incident?
What did the narrator's father and mother listen to on the radio the morning after New Year's Eve?
What did the narrator's father and mother listen to on the radio the morning after New Year's Eve?
How did the narrator's family react to the political events unfolding in Havana?
How did the narrator's family react to the political events unfolding in Havana?
What did the narrator reflect on regarding his father?
What did the narrator reflect on regarding his father?
Who was overly protective of Pepe, not allowing him to engage in typical activities?
Who was overly protective of Pepe, not allowing him to engage in typical activities?
What did the city of Havana usually look like on New Year's Eve, according to the narrator?
What did the city of Havana usually look like on New Year's Eve, according to the narrator?
What did the family do when the father broke out confetti and fireworks during the New Year's Eve dinner?
What did the family do when the father broke out confetti and fireworks during the New Year's Eve dinner?
What was the narrator planning to do the morning after the eventful New Year's Eve?
What was the narrator planning to do the morning after the eventful New Year's Eve?
Who was holding onto Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, during the New Year's Eve events?
Who was holding onto Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, during the New Year's Eve events?
What does Bebo compare to the new omelet?
What does Bebo compare to the new omelet?
Why does Bebo wipe his forearm across his eyes?
Why does Bebo wipe his forearm across his eyes?
What worries Julian about the new omelet?
What worries Julian about the new omelet?
Why does Alida announce that it's their last breakfast together?
Why does Alida announce that it's their last breakfast together?
What does the woman searching the Garcias' suitcases seem to be looking for?
What does the woman searching the Garcias' suitcases seem to be looking for?
What does Angelita's necklace symbolize when she refuses to give it up to the woman?
What does Angelita's necklace symbolize when she refuses to give it up to the woman?
What term does the woman use to refer to the Garcias as they leave?
What term does the woman use to refer to the Garcias as they leave?
What do the soldiers use to seal the Garcia's house?
What do the soldiers use to seal the Garcia's house?
What does the woman emphasize regarding exceptions to the new regulations?
What does the woman emphasize regarding exceptions to the new regulations?
What does the text primarily illustrate?
What does the text primarily illustrate?
What does Mr. Garcia believe about the current revolution?
What does Mr. Garcia believe about the current revolution?
What is the reason for the Garcia family leaving for Miami?
What is the reason for the Garcia family leaving for Miami?
What does the woman in the black dress do before the Garcias leave?
What does the woman in the black dress do before the Garcias leave?
What does the gold swallow necklace represent in the story?
What does the gold swallow necklace represent in the story?
What does the red paper stamp and warning sign on the sealed house symbolize?
What does the red paper stamp and warning sign on the sealed house symbolize?
What term does the woman use to refer to the Garcias as they leave?
What term does the woman use to refer to the Garcias as they leave?
What do the protagonist and his friends do at the neighbor's house?
What do the protagonist and his friends do at the neighbor's house?
Why do the protagonist and his friends decide to leave the neighbor's house?
Why do the protagonist and his friends decide to leave the neighbor's house?
Where does the protagonist place the stolen item?
Where does the protagonist place the stolen item?
What is the ultimate outcome of the protagonist's adventure?
What is the ultimate outcome of the protagonist's adventure?
What do the protagonist and his friends do to avoid being caught by the neighbor?
What do the protagonist and his friends do to avoid being caught by the neighbor?
Why do the protagonist and his friends plan to return the stolen items without their parents knowing?
Why do the protagonist and his friends plan to return the stolen items without their parents knowing?
What is the specific goal of the protagonist and his friends when they sneak into the neighbor's house?
What is the specific goal of the protagonist and his friends when they sneak into the neighbor's house?
How does the story end for the protagonist?
How does the story end for the protagonist?
What action does the protagonist take to ensure the stolen item is found?
What action does the protagonist take to ensure the stolen item is found?
What motivates the protagonist to return the stolen items?
What motivates the protagonist to return the stolen items?
How does the protagonist and his friends react when they encounter the neighbor and her son at their own house?
How does the protagonist and his friends react when they encounter the neighbor and her son at their own house?
What is causing disruptions in daily life in the country?
What is causing disruptions in daily life in the country?
Why are people leaving the country?
Why are people leaving the country?
What are the protagonist's brother and friend planning to explore?
What are the protagonist's brother and friend planning to explore?
What is the protagonist determined to do?
What is the protagonist determined to do?
What are the boys planning to do in the empty house?
What are the boys planning to do in the empty house?
Why is the neighborhood becoming deserted?
Why is the neighborhood becoming deserted?
What is causing frustration among the citizens?
What is causing frustration among the citizens?
What is the protagonist's mother upset about?
What is the protagonist's mother upset about?
What are the protagonist, his brother, and friend planning to explore?
What are the protagonist, his brother, and friend planning to explore?
What is the protagonist sneaking out to do?
What is the protagonist sneaking out to do?
What are people lining up for at the U.S. Embassy?
What are people lining up for at the U.S. Embassy?
What is the family facing, in addition to the political situation?
What is the family facing, in addition to the political situation?
What theme does the text explore?
What theme does the text explore?
What does Bebo warn Julian about?
What does Bebo warn Julian about?
What does Gordo do with an almond?
What does Gordo do with an almond?
What does Julian reflect on?
What does Julian reflect on?
What does Gordo justify his actions with?
What does Gordo justify his actions with?
Where does the story take place?
Where does the story take place?
What is Julian concerned about regarding the almond incident?
What is Julian concerned about regarding the almond incident?
What does the dialogue between Bebo, Julian, and Gordo reveal?
What does the dialogue between Bebo, Julian, and Gordo reveal?
What does Bebo advise Julian to do?
What does Bebo advise Julian to do?
What does the narrative explore?
What does the narrative explore?
What does Julian worry about regarding the boy hit by the almond?
What does Julian worry about regarding the boy hit by the almond?
What does Gordo believe about the real world?
What does Gordo believe about the real world?
What is the narrator's reaction when he is asked to be searched at the airport?
What is the narrator's reaction when he is asked to be searched at the airport?
Why does the guard pick the narrator for a search at the airport?
Why does the guard pick the narrator for a search at the airport?
How does the narrator feel when the guard discovers the hidden item in his suitcase?
How does the narrator feel when the guard discovers the hidden item in his suitcase?
What physical feature of the guard does the narrator focus on while being searched?
What physical feature of the guard does the narrator focus on while being searched?
What does Angelita's mother make her promise regarding Pepe?
What does Angelita's mother make her promise regarding Pepe?
How does Angelita describe the camp?
How does Angelita describe the camp?
What do the children plan to do using the hidden tunnel?
What do the children plan to do using the hidden tunnel?
What does Angelita notice about the children's play in the camp?
What does Angelita notice about the children's play in the camp?
What does the text portray about the refugee camp?
What does the text portray about the refugee camp?
What does Pepe, Alquilino, and Angelita find in a hidden tunnel?
What does Pepe, Alquilino, and Angelita find in a hidden tunnel?
Why did Angelita's family leave Cuba?
Why did Angelita's family leave Cuba?
What does Angelita point out about the children's play in the camp?
What does Angelita point out about the children's play in the camp?
What does Angelita attribute to the children's focus on their play?
What does Angelita attribute to the children's focus on their play?
What is the atmosphere like in the refugee camp for the children?
What is the atmosphere like in the refugee camp for the children?
What does Angelita describe the refugee camp as?
What does Angelita describe the refugee camp as?
What does Julian reflect on as a reminder of their disrupted life?
What does Julian reflect on as a reminder of their disrupted life?
Who does Julian's father entrust with the box of Cuban cigars?
Who does Julian's father entrust with the box of Cuban cigars?
Where does the family land after their flight?
Where does the family land after their flight?
What does Julian observe before being prodded to pay attention after landing in Miami?
What does Julian observe before being prodded to pay attention after landing in Miami?
What causes a tense moment after the family lands in Miami?
What causes a tense moment after the family lands in Miami?
What does Julian's mother signal him to do during the search at the airport?
What does Julian's mother signal him to do during the search at the airport?
What does Julian's father hand him despite the urgency of their departure?
What does Julian's father hand him despite the urgency of their departure?
Who instructs Julian to grab the cigars as they disembark the airplane?
Who instructs Julian to grab the cigars as they disembark the airplane?
What does the man in a dark suit attempt to take from Julian?
What does the man in a dark suit attempt to take from Julian?
What does Julian notice in his pocket during the search at the airport?
What does Julian notice in his pocket during the search at the airport?
What does Julian's mother feel proud of during the search at the airport?
What does Julian's mother feel proud of during the search at the airport?
What does Julian's father reassure him about before rushing to catch their airplane?
What does Julian's father reassure him about before rushing to catch their airplane?
What is the promise made to the boys if they behave and get along at the camp?
What is the promise made to the boys if they behave and get along at the camp?
What is the camp surrounded by?
What is the camp surrounded by?
How many kids are described as sleeping in the same dormitory at the camp?
How many kids are described as sleeping in the same dormitory at the camp?
What is the narrator's initial impression of the dormitory at the camp?
What is the narrator's initial impression of the dormitory at the camp?
What concerns the boys about the area outside the camp's fence?
What concerns the boys about the area outside the camp's fence?
Who teases the narrator by calling the dormitory a 'private suite'?
Who teases the narrator by calling the dormitory a 'private suite'?
What do the boys at the camp receive if they behave and get along?
What do the boys at the camp receive if they behave and get along?
What do the boys do upon settling into the camp?
What do the boys do upon settling into the camp?
What is the camp described as, compared to the American camps in the pictures shown to the narrator by his mother?
What is the camp described as, compared to the American camps in the pictures shown to the narrator by his mother?
Who relies on older boys to maintain order at the camp?
Who relies on older boys to maintain order at the camp?
What does Pepe do when the boys meet him at the camp?
What does Pepe do when the boys meet him at the camp?
Who takes the boys to the camp?
Who takes the boys to the camp?
What is the intended recipient of the narrator's box of cigars?
What is the intended recipient of the narrator's box of cigars?
Who intervenes to stop the confrontation between Caballo and the narrator's brother?
Who intervenes to stop the confrontation between Caballo and the narrator's brother?
What does the narrator recall his father's advice about the box of cigars?
What does the narrator recall his father's advice about the box of cigars?
What does the narrator do to avoid being dunked by the mob of children at the pool?
What does the narrator do to avoid being dunked by the mob of children at the pool?
What does the encounter with the cigar thief and Caballo highlight?
What does the encounter with the cigar thief and Caballo highlight?
Who takes the narrator to a camp upon his arrival in the United States?
Who takes the narrator to a camp upon his arrival in the United States?
What does the narrator believe about the President of the United States?
What does the narrator believe about the President of the United States?
What does the man offer in exchange for the box of cigars?
What does the man offer in exchange for the box of cigars?
What does the narrator's father advise about the box of cigars?
What does the narrator's father advise about the box of cigars?
What does the narrator notice his brothers doing to blend in at the pool?
What does the narrator notice his brothers doing to blend in at the pool?
Who is known for bullying and threatens the narrator's brother Gordo?
Who is known for bullying and threatens the narrator's brother Gordo?
What does the narrator do to avoid being dunked by the mob of children at the pool?
What does the narrator do to avoid being dunked by the mob of children at the pool?
What does Caballo do in the bathroom every morning?
What does Caballo do in the bathroom every morning?
What does the protagonist do in response to Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What does the protagonist do in response to Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What simple solution does Alquilino come up with to avoid Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What simple solution does Alquilino come up with to avoid Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What action does Gordo take to help avoid Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What action does Gordo take to help avoid Caballo's behavior in the bathroom?
What item does Angelita suggest bribing Paco with in their plan?
What item does Angelita suggest bribing Paco with in their plan?
How many Rice Krispies boxes do the group need for their plan?
How many Rice Krispies boxes do the group need for their plan?
Who proposes distracting Dolores while stealing the cereal boxes?
Who proposes distracting Dolores while stealing the cereal boxes?
What does Dolores show off to create a distraction for Julian to steal the cereal boxes?
What does Dolores show off to create a distraction for Julian to steal the cereal boxes?
How many Rice Krispies boxes does Julian successfully steal?
How many Rice Krispies boxes does Julian successfully steal?
What does the successful theft of the cereal boxes contribute to?
What does the successful theft of the cereal boxes contribute to?
What method do they decide to use to create a more convincing letter?
What method do they decide to use to create a more convincing letter?
Who suggests using a typewriter for the forged letter?
Who suggests using a typewriter for the forged letter?
Who proposes the idea of bribing Paco to obtain cereal boxes?
Who proposes the idea of bribing Paco to obtain cereal boxes?
What does the group discuss using to delay consequences in their deception plan?
What does the group discuss using to delay consequences in their deception plan?
Who do Julian and Pepe attempt to steal the cereal boxes from?
Who do Julian and Pepe attempt to steal the cereal boxes from?
What does Angelita suggest bribing Paco with to obtain cereal boxes?
What does Angelita suggest bribing Paco with to obtain cereal boxes?
Who steps up to pitch after Caballo confronts Pepe at the plate?
Who steps up to pitch after Caballo confronts Pepe at the plate?
What does Angelita warn Gordo about when he is about to pitch to Caballo?
What does Angelita warn Gordo about when he is about to pitch to Caballo?
What does Julian remind Gordo of when Angelita urges him to give Caballo an easy pitch?
What does Julian remind Gordo of when Angelita urges him to give Caballo an easy pitch?
What is the potential consequence of Gordo's actions and the tension at the game?
What is the potential consequence of Gordo's actions and the tension at the game?
What does Caballo do after taunting Gordo at the game?
What does Caballo do after taunting Gordo at the game?
What does Julian draw a picture of at the baseball game?
What does Julian draw a picture of at the baseball game?
What does Marta do with the girls at the baseball game?
What does Marta do with the girls at the baseball game?
What is significant about the group's behavior for the first time at the game?
What is significant about the group's behavior for the first time at the game?
Who warns Gordo against pitching to Caballo at the game?
Who warns Gordo against pitching to Caballo at the game?
What does Caballo do when confronting Pepe at the plate?
What does Caballo do when confronting Pepe at the plate?
What do Caballo and his friends try to break up at the game?
What do Caballo and his friends try to break up at the game?
What does Gordo do after Caballo confronts Pepe at the plate?
What does Gordo do after Caballo confronts Pepe at the plate?
What triggers the protagonist's emotional reaction in the Cuban orphanage?
What triggers the protagonist's emotional reaction in the Cuban orphanage?
What do Gordo and the protagonist have a secretive interaction involving?
What do Gordo and the protagonist have a secretive interaction involving?
What do Gordo and Paco orchestrate a deal with, using as bait?
What do Gordo and Paco orchestrate a deal with, using as bait?
What do the group have to wait for before mailing a letter to Miami?
What do the group have to wait for before mailing a letter to Miami?
What does the protagonist recall doing and thinking about in the Cuban orphanage?
What does the protagonist recall doing and thinking about in the Cuban orphanage?
Who decides the trip to Miami for the children in the orphanage?
Who decides the trip to Miami for the children in the orphanage?
Who criticizes the unfairness of Caballo's selection process, marking the first public objection?
Who criticizes the unfairness of Caballo's selection process, marking the first public objection?
Why does the protagonist stay in the Cuban orphanage despite being allowed to leave by the English teacher?
Why does the protagonist stay in the Cuban orphanage despite being allowed to leave by the English teacher?
What does the English teacher lead the children in, which evolves into a humorous adaptation?
What does the English teacher lead the children in, which evolves into a humorous adaptation?
What do the children enjoy singing about, adding their own twist to the song in the Cuban orphanage?
What do the children enjoy singing about, adding their own twist to the song in the Cuban orphanage?
Who orchestrates a deal with a kid named Paco, using cereal boxes as bait in the Cuban orphanage?
Who orchestrates a deal with a kid named Paco, using cereal boxes as bait in the Cuban orphanage?
What marks the first public objection in the Cuban orphanage?
What marks the first public objection in the Cuban orphanage?
What is the director's decision regarding the boys' living arrangements?
What is the director's decision regarding the boys' living arrangements?
What is the director's response when Alquilino claims their uncle can sponsor them?
What is the director's response when Alquilino claims their uncle can sponsor them?
What is Angelita's warning to the boys about the Colorado orphanage?
What is Angelita's warning to the boys about the Colorado orphanage?
What is the primary concern of the boys as highlighted in the text?
What is the primary concern of the boys as highlighted in the text?
What is the boys' reaction to the prospect of being separated?
What is the boys' reaction to the prospect of being separated?
What does the director insist on unless the boys have a sponsor?
What does the director insist on unless the boys have a sponsor?
What are the boys worried about regarding their future?
What are the boys worried about regarding their future?
What is the central theme of the text regarding the boys?
What is the central theme of the text regarding the boys?
What is the boys' response to the director's decision about their future?
What is the boys' response to the director's decision about their future?
What is the director's condition for the boys to stay at the orphanage?
What is the director's condition for the boys to stay at the orphanage?
What is the boys' emotional state as portrayed in the text?
What is the boys' emotional state as portrayed in the text?
What is the primary focus of the story?
What is the primary focus of the story?
What does Tomás claim makes his drink good?
What does Tomás claim makes his drink good?
What is the primary motivation behind Tomás selling his drinks?
What is the primary motivation behind Tomás selling his drinks?
Where does Tomás keep his boat?
Where does Tomás keep his boat?
What happens to the tomatoes in the end?
What happens to the tomatoes in the end?
What does the group do every morning after breakfast?
What does the group do every morning after breakfast?
What is the group's approach to decision-making?
What is the group's approach to decision-making?
What does Angelita read at the beginning of every meeting?
What does Angelita read at the beginning of every meeting?
What does Julian use to fix a truck's carburetor, impressing Tomás?
What does Julian use to fix a truck's carburetor, impressing Tomás?
What does Caballo demand money for when he encounters Julian and his friends at the tomato fields?
What does Caballo demand money for when he encounters Julian and his friends at the tomato fields?
What prompts Julian to feel regretful and vulnerable?
What prompts Julian to feel regretful and vulnerable?
What does Angelita do in response to Caballo demanding money from Julian?
What does Angelita do in response to Caballo demanding money from Julian?
What is Julian's initial reaction after being physically overpowered and threatened by Caballo?
What is Julian's initial reaction after being physically overpowered and threatened by Caballo?
What warning does Caballo give Julian after exerting physical dominance and intimidation?
What warning does Caballo give Julian after exerting physical dominance and intimidation?
What does Julian fix on Tomás' boat, impressing him?
What does Julian fix on Tomás' boat, impressing him?
What does Caballo use to trap Julian and his friends in a tunnel?
What does Caballo use to trap Julian and his friends in a tunnel?
What does Julian feel after Angelita pays the fine for him?
What does Julian feel after Angelita pays the fine for him?
What is Julian's emotional state after discovering his brothers' disappearance?
What is Julian's emotional state after discovering his brothers' disappearance?
What does Caballo do after physically overpowering and threatening Julian?
What does Caballo do after physically overpowering and threatening Julian?
What does Julian become determined to do after being physically overpowered by Caballo?
What does Julian become determined to do after being physically overpowered by Caballo?
What do the protagonist's drawings symbolize?
What do the protagonist's drawings symbolize?
Who reveals that Caballo caused the departure of the protagonist's brothers?
Who reveals that Caballo caused the departure of the protagonist's brothers?
What does Angelita empathize with regarding Caballo?
What does Angelita empathize with regarding Caballo?
What does the director value about Caballo despite his wrongdoings?
What does the director value about Caballo despite his wrongdoings?
What does the protagonist learn from Bebo about fear?
What does the protagonist learn from Bebo about fear?
What surprises the protagonist when encountering a snake climbing up a screen?
What surprises the protagonist when encountering a snake climbing up a screen?
What does the protagonist worry about in a different camp?
What does the protagonist worry about in a different camp?
What does the protagonist feel despite his efforts to appear confident in the noisy dormitory?
What does the protagonist feel despite his efforts to appear confident in the noisy dormitory?
What does Angelita disclose about Caballo's attempt to help?
What does Angelita disclose about Caballo's attempt to help?
What does the protagonist seek by drawing on a piece of paper?
What does the protagonist seek by drawing on a piece of paper?
What does the protagonist feel after being intimidated by the bully Caballo?
What does the protagonist feel after being intimidated by the bully Caballo?
What does the protagonist ponder with Angelita?
What does the protagonist ponder with Angelita?
What is Dolores's explanation of democracy?
What is Dolores's explanation of democracy?
What interrupts the protagonist's plan to tamper with a bunk bed?
What interrupts the protagonist's plan to tamper with a bunk bed?
Who successfully executed a daring prank involving scaring Ernesto?
Who successfully executed a daring prank involving scaring Ernesto?
What do the protagonist and Angelita document in a notebook?
What do the protagonist and Angelita document in a notebook?
What does the group plan and execute to teach the lesson to the target?
What does the group plan and execute to teach the lesson to the target?
Who is known for pulling off daring pranks?
Who is known for pulling off daring pranks?
What does Dolores urge the protagonist to do with a screwdriver?
What does Dolores urge the protagonist to do with a screwdriver?
Who informs the protagonist about Pepe being sent to a foster home?
Who informs the protagonist about Pepe being sent to a foster home?
Who joins the plan and brings along a fast and agile kid named Ramón?
Who joins the plan and brings along a fast and agile kid named Ramón?
What does the protagonist plan to use the screwdriver for?
What does the protagonist plan to use the screwdriver for?
Who partners with the protagonist to carry out the plan to teach someone a lesson?
Who partners with the protagonist to carry out the plan to teach someone a lesson?
What does the protagonist begin to execute the plan with?
What does the protagonist begin to execute the plan with?
What does Dolores share about her son?
What does Dolores share about her son?
What does Dolores give the narrator?
What does Dolores give the narrator?
What does Dolores blame for the situation with the narrator's brothers?
What does Dolores blame for the situation with the narrator's brothers?
How does Dolores feel about confronting Caballo?
How does Dolores feel about confronting Caballo?
What does Dolores compare Caballo to?
What does Dolores compare Caballo to?
What does Angelita compare Caballo to?
What does Angelita compare Caballo to?
What does the narrator feel about the situation with Caballo?
What does the narrator feel about the situation with Caballo?
How does the text convey the need for support in dealing with bullies like Caballo?
How does the text convey the need for support in dealing with bullies like Caballo?
What does a younger boy do in relation to Caballo?
What does a younger boy do in relation to Caballo?
What does the text convey about Caballo's behavior?
What does the text convey about Caballo's behavior?
What does the narrator encounter Dolores doing?
What does the narrator encounter Dolores doing?
What does Dolores give the narrator to fix the broken plate?
What does Dolores give the narrator to fix the broken plate?
What action does the narrator take to ensure the group's departure from the location?
What action does the narrator take to ensure the group's departure from the location?
What does the driver warn the group about as they arrive in the city?
What does the driver warn the group about as they arrive in the city?
What does the driver do as the group arrives at the Cuban coffee shop?
What does the driver do as the group arrives at the Cuban coffee shop?
What does the driver drink as he gives instructions to the group?
What does the driver drink as he gives instructions to the group?
What does Angelita do to avoid getting lost in the city?
What does Angelita do to avoid getting lost in the city?
Where does Doctor Alejandro De La Vega work at Pirate Angel's?
Where does Doctor Alejandro De La Vega work at Pirate Angel's?
What is Doctor De La Vega studying for at night?
What is Doctor De La Vega studying for at night?
What does Doctor De La Vega express gratitude for despite the hardships?
What does Doctor De La Vega express gratitude for despite the hardships?
What does the text highlight about individuals like Doctor De La Vega?
What does the text highlight about individuals like Doctor De La Vega?
What does the waitress notice on Angelita's map that leads to calling Doctor De La Vega?
What does the waitress notice on Angelita's map that leads to calling Doctor De La Vega?
What is the current status of Doctor De La Vega's medical license from Cuba?
What is the current status of Doctor De La Vega's medical license from Cuba?
What does Doctor De La Vega share about his children?
What does Doctor De La Vega share about his children?
What does Doctor De La Vega acknowledge about the protagonist and Angelita?
What does Doctor De La Vega acknowledge about the protagonist and Angelita?
What does Doctor De La Vega mention about Tomás's involvement?
What does Doctor De La Vega mention about Tomás's involvement?
Who does the waitress call for after noticing Tomás's handwriting on Angelita's map?
Who does the waitress call for after noticing Tomás's handwriting on Angelita's map?
What is Doctor De La Vega's current job at Pirate Angel's?
What is Doctor De La Vega's current job at Pirate Angel's?
What does Julian contemplate doing when his suitcase falls into the muddy water?
What does Julian contemplate doing when his suitcase falls into the muddy water?
Why do the guys at the bridge confront Julian?
Why do the guys at the bridge confront Julian?
What does Angelita scold Julian for?
What does Angelita scold Julian for?
Why does Julian express disappointment to Angelita?
Why does Julian express disappointment to Angelita?
Where does the encounter with the guys at the bridge take place?
Where does the encounter with the guys at the bridge take place?
What does the doctor give Angelita before instructing her to find Tomás?
What does the doctor give Angelita before instructing her to find Tomás?
Why does Angelita give Julian her map at the bus stop?
Why does Angelita give Julian her map at the bus stop?
Why does Julian leave Angelita at the bus stop?
Why does Julian leave Angelita at the bus stop?
What does Julian contemplate doing when the guys corner him on the bridge?
What does Julian contemplate doing when the guys corner him on the bridge?
What does Julian misunderstand about the guys at the bridge?
What does Julian misunderstand about the guys at the bridge?
What does the doctor instruct Angelita to do with the bag of sandwiches and sugar packets?
What does the doctor instruct Angelita to do with the bag of sandwiches and sugar packets?
Why does Julian contemplate jumping into the river after his suitcase?
Why does Julian contemplate jumping into the river after his suitcase?
What does Tomás claim gives him ownership of the boat?
What does Tomás claim gives him ownership of the boat?
What does the deck of Tomás's boat showcase?
What does the deck of Tomás's boat showcase?
What does Tomás advise the narrator against doing?
What does Tomás advise the narrator against doing?
What does Tomás show the narrator inside his surprisingly clean cabin?
What does Tomás show the narrator inside his surprisingly clean cabin?
What does Tomás plan to restore on his boat?
What does Tomás plan to restore on his boat?
Who arrives with Tomás on the overloaded boat?
Who arrives with Tomás on the overloaded boat?
What is the riverbank littered with?
What is the riverbank littered with?
What is the dock made of that they paddle to?
What is the dock made of that they paddle to?
What sounds mix with the hum of the highway at the river?
What sounds mix with the hum of the highway at the river?
What does Tomás ask for their help with unloading?
What does Tomás ask for their help with unloading?
Where do the narrator and Angelita spot an old wooden boat?
Where do the narrator and Angelita spot an old wooden boat?
What does the riverbank have in addition to wrecked cars and old tires?
What does the riverbank have in addition to wrecked cars and old tires?
What did Tomás find below deck before his escape from Cuba?
What did Tomás find below deck before his escape from Cuba?
How did Tomás realize his father's plan for his escape?
How did Tomás realize his father's plan for his escape?
What does Angelita express surprise about regarding Tomás's departure from Cuba?
What does Angelita express surprise about regarding Tomás's departure from Cuba?
What does Julian wake up to find after Angelita and Tomás's departure?
What does Julian wake up to find after Angelita and Tomás's departure?
What does Julian resolve to do after feeling abandoned and lonely?
What does Julian resolve to do after feeling abandoned and lonely?
What does Julian encounter at the Fontainebleau Hotel?
What does Julian encounter at the Fontainebleau Hotel?
What does Julian's thoughts turn to after feeling abandoned?
What does Julian's thoughts turn to after feeling abandoned?
What does Tomás offer Julian after his escape from Cuba?
What does Tomás offer Julian after his escape from Cuba?
What does the text convey about Tomás's escape from Cuba?
What does the text convey about Tomás's escape from Cuba?
What does Julian feel after Angelita's departure?
What does Julian feel after Angelita's departure?
What does the text convey about the characters' attempts to adapt to new environments?
What does the text convey about the characters' attempts to adapt to new environments?
What does Julian resolve to do after Angelita's departure?
What does Julian resolve to do after Angelita's departure?
What does the woman in the phone conversation refer to Julian's parents as?
What does the woman in the phone conversation refer to Julian's parents as?
What does the woman instruct Julian to do over the phone?
What does the woman instruct Julian to do over the phone?
What does the woman claim about the location of Julian's parents?
What does the woman claim about the location of Julian's parents?
What background noise interferes with Julian's conversation with the woman on the phone?
What background noise interferes with Julian's conversation with the woman on the phone?
What does the narrator initially sell on the streets of Havana?
What does the narrator initially sell on the streets of Havana?
What does the narrator buy from a department store after selling drinks to construction workers?
What does the narrator buy from a department store after selling drinks to construction workers?
What does the narrator draw on the sidewalk to earn money from tourists?
What does the narrator draw on the sidewalk to earn money from tourists?
Who confronts the narrator about his identity and residence while drawing on the sidewalk?
Who confronts the narrator about his identity and residence while drawing on the sidewalk?
What name does the narrator give when questioned about his identity by Officer Ramirez?
What name does the narrator give when questioned about his identity by Officer Ramirez?
What is the narrator warned about by Officer Ramirez?
What is the narrator warned about by Officer Ramirez?
What does the narrator worry about after giving a false name to Officer Ramirez?
What does the narrator worry about after giving a false name to Officer Ramirez?
What does the narrator use to earn money from tourists?
What does the narrator use to earn money from tourists?
Who questions the narrator about his identity and residence?
Who questions the narrator about his identity and residence?
What does the narrator draw on the sidewalk to attract tourists?
What does the narrator draw on the sidewalk to attract tourists?
What does the narrator initially sell on the streets of Havana?
What does the narrator initially sell on the streets of Havana?
What does the narrator buy from a department store after selling drinks to construction workers?
What does the narrator buy from a department store after selling drinks to construction workers?
What is the primary focus of the story?
What is the primary focus of the story?
What does the protagonist observe Dog and Tomás working on?
What does the protagonist observe Dog and Tomás working on?
What makes the protagonist uneasy about Dog?
What makes the protagonist uneasy about Dog?
What does the successful ignition of the boat's engine symbolize?
What does the successful ignition of the boat's engine symbolize?
What does the story explore?
What does the story explore?
What does the protagonist express disbelief in?
What does the protagonist express disbelief in?
What adds tension and mystery to the narrative?
What adds tension and mystery to the narrative?
What does the protagonist contemplate while trying to evade Ramirez?
What does the protagonist contemplate while trying to evade Ramirez?
What does the protagonist attempt to do with no success?
What does the protagonist attempt to do with no success?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding Tomás' trust in Dog?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding Tomás' trust in Dog?
What drives the narrative forward?
What drives the narrative forward?
What does the story provide a glimpse into?
What does the story provide a glimpse into?
What does the protagonist do after encountering suspicious individuals in a dark sedan while transporting 'Tomás-ade' to the bus stop?
What does the protagonist do after encountering suspicious individuals in a dark sedan while transporting 'Tomás-ade' to the bus stop?
What is the protagonist's primary motivation for lying about the money's location in exchange for information about his parents?
What is the protagonist's primary motivation for lying about the money's location in exchange for information about his parents?
What does the protagonist do after the encounter with the suspicious individuals to avoid being followed?
What does the protagonist do after the encounter with the suspicious individuals to avoid being followed?
What does the protagonist do to distract himself from the struggle with the inability to control his dreams?
What does the protagonist do to distract himself from the struggle with the inability to control his dreams?
What does the protagonist decide to do after lying about the money's location in exchange for information about his parents?
What does the protagonist decide to do after lying about the money's location in exchange for information about his parents?
What does the protagonist do to make money with Tomás?
What does the protagonist do to make money with Tomás?
What does the protagonist fear about revealing the truth to a man named Tomás?
What does the protagonist fear about revealing the truth to a man named Tomás?
What does the protagonist believe Angelita has potentially done regarding Ramirez?
What does the protagonist believe Angelita has potentially done regarding Ramirez?
What does Julian ask Bebo to do for him?
What does Julian ask Bebo to do for him?
What does Julian feel after his phone call with Bebo?
What does Julian feel after his phone call with Bebo?
What is the primary focus of the narrative?
What is the primary focus of the narrative?
What causes tension between Armando and Tomás?
What causes tension between Armando and Tomás?
What does the text capture between the characters and Julian's internal struggle?
What does the text capture between the characters and Julian's internal struggle?
What does Julian decide to do after his phone call with Bebo?
What does Julian decide to do after his phone call with Bebo?
What does Julian recall doing after the phone call with Bebo?
What does Julian recall doing after the phone call with Bebo?
What does the story highlight?
What does the story highlight?
What does Julian feel conflicted and anxious about?
What does Julian feel conflicted and anxious about?
What does Julian recall a number written by Bebo in his notebook for?
What does Julian recall a number written by Bebo in his notebook for?
What does Julian ask Bebo to pass a message to his parents about?
What does Julian ask Bebo to pass a message to his parents about?
What does Julian feel uncertain about after his phone call with Bebo?
What does Julian feel uncertain about after his phone call with Bebo?
What motivated Armando to call the T.V. station and give them the story about the missing trip?
What motivated Armando to call the T.V. station and give them the story about the missing trip?
Why does Tomás refer to Armando as 'a big rooster'?
Why does Tomás refer to Armando as 'a big rooster'?
What does Ramirez imply by saying 'First a runaway, now a hero' to the protagonist?
What does Ramirez imply by saying 'First a runaway, now a hero' to the protagonist?
What does Ramirez's statement 'No detours today, right' suggest about the protagonist?
What does Ramirez's statement 'No detours today, right' suggest about the protagonist?
What does the protagonist learn about their brothers upon returning to the camp?
What does the protagonist learn about their brothers upon returning to the camp?
What does the new camp director inform the protagonist about?
What does the new camp director inform the protagonist about?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the fate of the old kids from the camp?
What does the protagonist reflect on regarding the fate of the old kids from the camp?
Who does the protagonist meet in Connecticut?
Who does the protagonist meet in Connecticut?
What does Mr. Mooney mention about the neighborhood in Connecticut?
What does Mr. Mooney mention about the neighborhood in Connecticut?
What does Dolores, the cook, share with the protagonist upon their return to the camp?
What does Dolores, the cook, share with the protagonist upon their return to the camp?
What does the protagonist notice about the camp upon their return?
What does the protagonist notice about the camp upon their return?
What does the protagonist hope for regarding the fate of the old kids from the camp?
What does the protagonist hope for regarding the fate of the old kids from the camp?
Who bids the protagonist farewell upon their departure from the camp?
Who bids the protagonist farewell upon their departure from the camp?
What does the protagonist notice about the new neighborhood in Connecticut?
What does the protagonist notice about the new neighborhood in Connecticut?
What does the protagonist do with the girls at the camp?
What does the protagonist do with the girls at the camp?
What does the protagonist read letters from their brothers describing?
What does the protagonist read letters from their brothers describing?
What is the reason for Julian's father's detention?
What is the reason for Julian's father's detention?
Why does Julian's mother become emotional upon finding a broken plate in his suitcase?
Why does Julian's mother become emotional upon finding a broken plate in his suitcase?
What did Julian trade a valuable possession for?
What did Julian trade a valuable possession for?
What does Julian hope his mother will understand if she knew the gratitude of the people he helped?
What does Julian hope his mother will understand if she knew the gratitude of the people he helped?
What is the primary focus of the text?
What is the primary focus of the text?
What is the significance of the neighborhood Connect-Y-Cut?
What is the significance of the neighborhood Connect-Y-Cut?
Why does Julian's mother wash his clothes, leading to a misunderstanding?
Why does Julian's mother wash his clothes, leading to a misunderstanding?
What does Julian's mother feel they have lost, causing devastation?
What does Julian's mother feel they have lost, causing devastation?
What does Julian reveal to his mother, leading to her breaking down?
What does Julian reveal to his mother, leading to her breaking down?
What is the central theme showcased in the story?
What is the central theme showcased in the story?
Why does Julian's father remain detained and unable to leave?
Why does Julian's father remain detained and unable to leave?
What does Julian's mother hope to achieve by washing his clothes and ironing late at night?
What does Julian's mother hope to achieve by washing his clothes and ironing late at night?
What does Gordo warn the protagonist about on the bus?
What does Gordo warn the protagonist about on the bus?
Why does the teacher plan to send the protagonist for a hearing test?
Why does the teacher plan to send the protagonist for a hearing test?
What does the teacher mistakenly introduce the protagonist as to the class?
What does the teacher mistakenly introduce the protagonist as to the class?
What does the protagonist feel about his distinctive clothing in the schoolyard?
What does the protagonist feel about his distinctive clothing in the schoolyard?
What leads to a scuffle and a lecture on fighting from the teacher?
What leads to a scuffle and a lecture on fighting from the teacher?
Why does the protagonist try to correct the teacher's mispronunciation of his name?
Why does the protagonist try to correct the teacher's mispronunciation of his name?
Why does the protagonist's mother insist that his brothers walk him to the bus stop?
Why does the protagonist's mother insist that his brothers walk him to the bus stop?
What does the protagonist feel about the clothes his mother sets out for his first day at school?
What does the protagonist feel about the clothes his mother sets out for his first day at school?
What does the protagonist do when confronted by a bully?
What does the protagonist do when confronted by a bully?
What does the teacher hurry the protagonist through the crowded hallways for?
What does the teacher hurry the protagonist through the crowded hallways for?
What does the protagonist feel about his distinctive clothing in the schoolyard?
What does the protagonist feel about his distinctive clothing in the schoolyard?
What does the teacher intervene in, leading to a misunderstanding about the protagonist's name?
What does the teacher intervene in, leading to a misunderstanding about the protagonist's name?
What does Who-li-an find solace in?
What does Who-li-an find solace in?
What does Mrs. Johnson plan to showcase and have Who-li-an share with the class?
What does Mrs. Johnson plan to showcase and have Who-li-an share with the class?
What coincides with the day Mrs. Johnson plans to have Who-li-an share her story with the class?
What coincides with the day Mrs. Johnson plans to have Who-li-an share her story with the class?
What do Who-li-an's drawings serve as?
What do Who-li-an's drawings serve as?
What does the story highlight?
What does the story highlight?
What does Mrs. Johnson's interest in Who-li-an's story signify?
What does Mrs. Johnson's interest in Who-li-an's story signify?
What does Who-li-an feel when Mrs. Johnson shows genuine interest in her drawings?
What does Who-li-an feel when Mrs. Johnson shows genuine interest in her drawings?
What does Who-li-an struggle to understand?
What does Who-li-an struggle to understand?
What does Who-li-an feel when daydreaming about her life in Cuba?
What does Who-li-an feel when daydreaming about her life in Cuba?
What does Who-li-an feel insecure and unable to do due to her language barrier?
What does Who-li-an feel insecure and unable to do due to her language barrier?
What does Who-li-an face from her classmates when Mrs. Johnson introduces her as being from a tropical island?
What does Who-li-an face from her classmates when Mrs. Johnson introduces her as being from a tropical island?
What does Who-li-an struggle to do in the new school?
What does Who-li-an struggle to do in the new school?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
Study Notes
A Frightening New Year's Eve in Havana
- The narrator describes a quiet New Year's Eve in Havana, where people are usually dressed in masks and silk, but the city is unusually quiet and eerie.
- The narrator's mother sets out food, and Mrs. Garcia hands out party hats while holding onto Pepe, Angelita's younger brother, who is dressed in white.
- Alida is overly protective of Pepe, not allowing him to engage in typical activities like riding bikes or playing baseball.
- During an unusually quiet dinner, the father breaks out confetti and fireworks, and they run to the dock to celebrate the New Year.
- Gunshots are heard, and the family hides under the table as men with pistols appear on the dock, announcing the dictator's departure and shooting in celebration.
- The men leave, and the family hurriedly leaves the scene, with the father showing signs of fear.
- The family drives through the city witnessing chaotic scenes of people chanting, dancing, and throwing furniture, as part of a revolution.
- The narrator's father and mother listen to a radio announcement that the dictator has fled the country with his family and money.
- The narrator starts to feel that anything could happen at any time in the city.
- The narrator reflects on the loss of a big fish and the impact it had on his father.
- The next morning, the narrator goes to the kitchen, where Bebo is preparing food, and the narrator plans to draw a picture of their eventful New Year's Eve.
- The narrator's family members have differing reactions to the political events unfolding in Havana.
Life in a Country in Turmoil
- The streets are filled with soldiers, causing disruptions in daily life
- Long lines are forming for basic necessities like gas, food, and at the U.S. Embassy for passports
- People are leaving the country due to the political situation
- The leader delivers lengthy speeches on TV, causing frustration among the citizens
- The protagonist's mother is upset about the lack of access to her favorite TV shows and radio programs
- The family is facing personal struggles, including a missing pin and strained neighborly relations
- The protagonist's brother and friend are planning a secretive adventure
- The neighborhood is becoming deserted as families leave and their homes are sealed by soldiers
- The protagonist's brother and friend are planning to explore an empty house
- The protagonist is determined to join the exploration
- The boys plan to break into the house to search for something
- The protagonist sneaks out to join the exploration with his brother and friend
Almond Revenge
- Bebo is leaving because the government is sending him to school for engineering.
- Bebo teaches Julian to think and solve problems, but advises him to find his own path.
- Bebo warns Julian not to live in the shadow of his brothers and to find his own game.
- Julian reflects on his brothers, Alquilino and Gordo, and their influence on him.
- 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.
- Gordo justifies his actions, saying that people can't get away with things in the real world.
- The text explores themes of growing up, finding one's path, and the influence of siblings.
- The dialogue between Bebo, Julian, and Gordo reveals their perspectives on life and maturity.
- The story takes place in a setting near the beach and a house with an almond tree.
- The text reflects on the characters' actions and their implications for personal growth.
- The narrative explores the complexities of sibling relationships and individual identity.
Life in a Camp for Boys
- Gordo, Alquilino, and the narrator are taken to a camp by a young priest who relies on older boys to maintain order.
- The boys are given chores and promised two dollars on Fridays and a trip to Miami on Saturdays if they behave and get along.
- They are shown to a dormitory where the narrator struggles to carry a mattress and is unimpressed by the hospital-like room.
- Caballo, an older boy, teases the narrator by calling the dormitory a "private suite."
- The boys meet a boy named Pepe, who is found digging a hole under the fence.
- The camp is surrounded by a tall chain-link fence, and the boys notice a dangerous-looking swamp outside.
- The boys settle into the camp, stashing their suitcases and exploring the camp's surroundings.
- The camp looks nothing like the American camps in the pictures shown to the narrator by his mother.
- The boys encounter a boy named Pepe, who is found digging a hole under the fence.
- The boys notice a wild, vine-covered area outside the fence and express concern about the possibility of snakes.
- The camp is described as being overcrowded, with over 120 kids sleeping in the same dormitory.
- The boys are given chores and promised a small amount of money if they behave and get along.
Cuban Refugee's Arrival in the United States
- The narrator, a Cuban refugee, arrives in the United States and encounters a man attempting to steal his box of cigars.
- The man offers a ten-dollar bill for the box, and the narrator recalls his father's advice that "they are as good as dollars."
- The cigars are intended for the president, whom the narrator believes is named Kennedy and is fond of Cuban cigars.
- The narrator is taken to a camp by a man named Jorge, where they are greeted by children in bathing suits chanting to go to the pool.
- The narrator and his brothers are surrounded by a mob of children at the pool.
- The narrator dives underwater to avoid being dunked and notices his brothers taking off their clothes to blend in upon resurfacing.
- The narrator is left in his underwear as the crowd laughs at him, and a boy named Caballo, known for bullying, enters the scene.
- Caballo threatens and pushes the narrator's brother Gordo, leading to a confrontation.
- A booming voice intervenes, questioning if this is the way to welcome fellow countrymen.
- The text depicts the challenges and cultural clashes faced by Cuban refugees upon arriving in the United States.
- The narrator's encounter with the cigar thief and the bullying behavior of Caballo highlight the initial struggles of adapting to a new country.
- The story portrays the narrator's confusion, adaptation, and adjustment to the unfamiliar environment of the United States.
Orphaned Boys Face Uncertain Futures
- Caballo and the boys are at a place where they work for Dolores, who promises to speak to the director about their living conditions.
- The director informs them that he has found homes for them in Denver and Chicago.
- The director decides that Alquilino and Gordo will go to Denver, while Julian is to go to Chicago.
- The boys are distressed by the prospect of being separated and try to persuade the director to let them stay together.
- The director insists that they have to leave unless they have a sponsor.
- Alquilino claims that their uncle can sponsor them, but the director is skeptical and gives them a deadline to confirm.
- Angelita warns them about the harsh conditions in the Colorado orphanage and expresses uncertainty about their uncle's arrival.
- The boys realize that their futures are uncertain, and they are worried about being separated and the reliability of their uncle's sponsorship.
- The boys are left in a state of anxiety and uncertainty regarding their future and their potential separation.
- The story revolves around the challenges and uncertainties faced by orphaned boys as they navigate their future.
- 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.
- The text highlights the boys' anxiety and desperation as they navigate the uncertainty of their futures and the potential separation from each other.
A Troubled Boy's Experience in a Detention Camp
- The protagonist feels ashamed and scared after being intimidated by a bully named Caballo
- He seeks solace by drawing on a piece of paper, expressing his fear and anger
- He learns from Bebo that dwelling on fear is unproductive and must focus past it
- The protagonist draws himself larger and more confident, symbolizing overcoming fear
- He moves to a noisy dormitory and feels small despite his efforts to appear confident
- He encounters a black, thick snake climbing up a screen and is surprised by Angelita
- Angelita reveals that Caballo caused the departure of the protagonist's brothers
- The director values Caballo's control over the camp and disregards his wrongdoings
- Angelita discloses that Caballo tried to help by warning her about the fake letter
- Angelita empathizes with Caballo's loneliness, suggesting a complex dynamic
- The protagonist worries about his brothers' safety in a different camp
- The protagonist and Angelita ponder the challenges and loneliness of their situation
Handling bullies and finding support
- Angelita and the narrator discuss ways to deal with a bully named Caballo, who enjoys scaring people and picking on little kids.
- Angelita compares Caballo to a snake, suggesting that he can be harmless if handled right, offering a strategy for dealing with him.
- The narrator feels a sense of sadness and helplessness about the situation with Caballo.
- 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.
- Dolores shares that she sent her son up north to live with his father when he got older and couldn't handle him.
- 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.
- Dolores expresses empathy for the narrator's brothers being sent away, blaming Caballo for the situation.
- 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.
- Dolores feels powerless to confront Caballo due to needing the job as a cook.
- A younger boy puts his dessert on Caballo's tray, seemingly seeking approval and placement on Caballo's mental list of friends and enemies.
- The text conveys a sense of helplessness and the need for support in dealing with bullies like Caballo.
- 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.
Escape from Cuba
- Tomás recounts how his father, a mechanic in the navy, orchestrated his escape from Cuba by preparing a motor launch for a trip to Florida without informing him.
- Tomás, following his father's instructions, started the engine and sailed towards Florida, realizing his father's plan when he saw him signaling north from the dock.
- Tomás made a daring escape from Cuba, defying the naval officers and his father's instructions, with his father secretly supporting him.
- Angelita expresses surprise at Tomás's sudden departure from Cuba without saying goodbye to his mother, highlighting the emotional toll of leaving loved ones behind.
- Tomás reveals that he found a change of clothes and some dollars in a locker below, emphasizing the impromptu nature of his escape.
- Tomás acknowledges that he had no time to plan or say goodbye, contrasting his impulsive departure with Angelita's more deliberate decision to leave.
- Tomás offers Julian a place to stay and tasks him with stirring the beans, showing his hospitality and willingness to help others.
- Julian wakes up to find Angelita and Tomás gone, but a note from Angelita reassures him that she will stay in touch through Tomás and that he is in good hands.
- Julian feels abandoned and lonely after Angelita's departure, but he resolves to keep himself occupied to avoid dwelling on his emotions.
- Julian's thoughts turn to his family and the memories of his mother, evoking a sense of longing and sadness.
- Julian arrives at the Fontainebleau Hotel, where he encounters a hostile gatekeeper who orders him to leave, creating a sense of unfamiliarity and rejection.
- The text conveys the emotional and physical challenges faced by the characters during their escapes from Cuba and their attempts to adapt to new environments.
The Sea and the Sun
- The protagonist overhears a woman searching for buried money and tries to use this information to find his missing parents.
- He eventually lies about the money's location in exchange for information about his parents, but the woman doesn't know where they are.
- The protagonist decides to search for his parents on his own and starts calling the numbers in a notebook his mother left for him.
- He attempts to avoid revealing the truth to a man named Tomás, fearing he might lose his place on Tomás's boat.
- The protagonist dreams about his parents and struggles with the inability to control his dreams, seeking distraction by staying busy.
- The protagonist prepares to sell "Tomás-ade" with Tomás to make money, and Tomás helps him with the logistics of transporting the product.
- The protagonist encounters suspicious individuals in a dark sedan while transporting the "Tomás-ade" to the bus stop.
- He becomes paranoid, suspecting that a person named Ramirez is looking for him, and tries to evade detection while boarding the bus.
- The protagonist is worried about being found out and takes precautions to avoid being followed.
- He believes that Angelita has potentially revealed his location to Ramirez.
- The protagonist carefully assesses his surroundings for any signs of danger before disembarking from the bus.
- He remains vigilant and cautious, checking for any presence of the suspicious individuals before continuing his journey.
Armando's Dilemma
- Tomás and Julian are on a boat when the engine starts running rough and Julian shuts it off as Tomás yells for him to do so.
- 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.
- Julian recalls a number written by Bebo in his notebook and decides to call it; Bebo answers and they have a conversation.
- 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.
- Julian feels uncertain after the call, worrying about the potential outcomes of his message and the situation with his family.
- Armando, another character, is involved in a heated discussion with Tomás over money for gas, and Tomás becomes angry and confrontational.
- Tomás becomes agitated, throws Armando's notes out the window, and demands the money he was promised.
- Julian decides to keep quiet about his phone call and awaits the outcome, feeling conflicted and anxious about the situation.
- Julian reflects on the potential consequences of his message and the uncertainty of the situation with his family.
- The text captures the tension between the characters and Julian's internal struggle, creating a sense of unease and anticipation.
- The story highlights the complex relationships between the characters and the challenges they face in their environment.
- The narrative provides insight into Julian's emotional turmoil and the dynamics of the relationships among the characters.
Adapting to a New School
- The protagonist, Who-li-an, faces ridicule and ignorance from classmates when Mrs. Johnson introduces her as being from a tropical island.
- Despite wanting to share her experiences, Who-li-an feels insecure and unable to articulate her thoughts due to her language barrier.
- Who-li-an finds solace in drawing, creating detailed illustrations of her life in Cuba, including her house, family, and a boat trip.
- She struggles to understand the English lessons and feels isolated, as if she is being left behind by her classmates.
- Who-li-an daydreams about her life in Cuba, particularly about fishing with her family, but is abruptly brought back to reality by Mrs. Johnson.
- Mrs. Johnson shows genuine interest in Who-li-an's drawings and encourages her to share her story with the class, as they are learning about space exploration.
- Who-li-an is surprised by Mrs. Johnson's interest, as she has never felt that her family cared about her experiences in Cuba.
- Mrs. Johnson plans to showcase Who-li-an's drawings and have her share her story with the class the next day, coinciding with the launch of an astronaut into orbit.
- Who-li-an feels a sense of validation and connection with Mrs. Johnson, who is the first person to show genuine interest in her background.
- The story highlights the challenges of cultural adaptation and language barriers faced by immigrant children in American schools.
- Who-li-an's drawings serve as a powerful medium for her to express her experiences and bridge the gap between her old and new life.
- Mrs. Johnson's interest in Who-li-an's story signifies the potential for empathy and understanding in the classroom, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and acceptance.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
