Questions and Answers
What was a part of the author's life for as long as he can remember?
Orange boxes
What did the author's father do?
Worked cutting oranges
What did the author's mother do?
Works in a packing unit where the golden balloons (oranges) are put into wooden boxes
What does the author call oranges?
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What do the wooden orange boxes serve as in the author's home?
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What was on the outside of the boxes?
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What does the family use their small room for?
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How did the author decorate their box?
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What was the only bad thing about drawing on the boxes?
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Where are the author's parents from?
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Where and why did the parents move?
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Did the author's parents find their golden dream?
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Did the author attend school?
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What did the author have available to wear?
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Why did boys laugh at the author?
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Does the author like school?
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What advice does the author's mom give to him?
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Does the author like his teacher?
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What does the author do in the summer?
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How much money does he earn for every filled orange box?
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What are ladders used for in the orange groves?
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What did the orange grove workers wear on their heads and necks?
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How did they cut the oranges?
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What was a big moment for the author?
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Describe the mother's conditions.
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What does the mother do when she returns home from work?
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What is the author's sister named?
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How old was the author when his sister was born?
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What happened to Ermenegilda?
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Study Notes
Author's Life and Family Background
- The author has been surrounded by orange boxes throughout his life.
- The author's father worked in the field, cutting oranges, while the mother was employed in a packing unit handling oranges.
- Oranges are affectionately called "globos dorados" (golden balloons) by the author.
- The family's living space was limited, utilizing wooden orange boxes as furniture and storage solutions.
Home Environment
- Distinct drawings on the orange boxes served as the only decor in their multifunctional small room, which acted as a living room, bedroom, and kitchen.
- The author personalized their box by painting various flowers and a black cat, despite the risk of getting splinters.
Immigration and Economic Struggles
- The author's parents immigrated from Mexico to California, chasing the dreams embodied by the term "El Dorado."
- They found themselves in tough economic conditions, struggling to make a living, with the author’s birth compounding financial difficulties.
Education and Social Experience
- The author attended school but found it boring and expressed a desire to drop out.
- He faced ridicule from peers due to his dark skin, which led to hurtful comments about his appearance.
- Although he disliked school and his monotonous teacher, his mother encouraged him to pursue education for a better future.
Summer Work in the Orange Groves
- During summer, the author worked alongside his father in the orange groves, earning 15 cents for every filled box.
- Workers used ladders to pick oranges and wore straw hats and handkerchiefs for sun protection.
- The method of cutting oranges involved removing the stem, releasing a fragrant scent.
Family Dynamics and Challenges
- A significant moment for the author was capturing a photo with his father amidst their orange bounty.
- The author’s mother returned home exhausted from work, often pale and tired, yet she maintained her faith through prayer and preparing meals for the family.
- The author has a sister named Ermenegilda, born when he was eight, who unfortunately passed away after a year and a half due to illness from inadequate nursing.
Life-Altering Events
- The story hints at an event that would drastically change the family's life circumstances, emphasizing the ongoing challenges they faced.
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Description
Explore the life of the author shaped by their family's immersion in the orange industry. This quiz delves into the impact of immigration, economic struggles, and personal creativity expressed through unique decor and memories. Test your knowledge about significant aspects of the author's upbringing.
