The Book of Unknown Americans Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who is the author?

Cristina Henriquez

What is the reason why the Riveras came to the US?

Their daughter, Maribel, suffered a brain injury and they wanted to give her a better opportunity to heal.

What were the Riveras' life back in Mexico like?

They had a good life; Arturo was the head of a construction company, and they lived in a comfortable house.

What is the result of Maribel getting injured in reference to her father?

He must downgrade from his construction job in Mexico to a worker in a mushroom factory in the US. Signup and view all the answers

What job does Arturo have in America?

Works at a mushroom factory Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Arturo in his job?

He gets replaced with cheaper illegal immigrants. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Arturo loses his job?

The family goes into financial crisis and they lose their visa, making them illegal. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Garrett?

A school bully at Mayor's school who constantly bullies Mayor and eventually sexually assaults Maribel. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the characters with one chapter important?

These chapters show that other people are also going through the same problems. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mayor and Maribel's first impression of each other?

It was love at first sight; their first confrontation was awkward because Maribel wasn't responding to Mayor. Signup and view all the answers

What was Garrett's first impression of Maribel?

He bullies her and eventually sexually harasses her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the oatmeal conversation?

The Riveras have to eat oatmeal due to finances and it tastes disgusting. Signup and view all the answers

How did Maribel get injured?

She fell off a ladder while trying to get a can of paint. Signup and view all the answers

What is Alma's connection to Maribel's injury?

She blames herself for not holding the ladder. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rafa drive slow?

He is trying to blend in to avoid being pulled over by the police. Signup and view all the answers

How does Rafa treat his sons?

He is strict but wants the best for them, aiming for their success in soccer. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mayor's issue with his father?

His father wants him to be a soccer star, but Mayor feels inadequate and eventually quits the team. Signup and view all the answers

Who helps Maribel get better?

School and Mayor Signup and view all the answers

Why does Alma take English courses?

She has always liked learning about different languages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of Quisqueya?

Quisqueya's story shows that the other characters are not alone in their experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What do Mayor and Maribel do on their joyride?

They sneak out to see the snow, and end up falling asleep on the way back. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Riveras think when Maribel didn't come home?

They thought that she had been taken by Garrett. Signup and view all the answers

What do Maribel and Mayor find out when they come home?

That Arturo has been shot by Garrett's dad. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cars for Mayor?

He thinks of the car as freedom but relates its selfishness to Arturo's death. Signup and view all the answers

How does the community help Alma and Maribel send Arturo's body to Mexico?

They raise over five thousand dollars together. Signup and view all the answers

How does Maribel show a glimmer of the person she used to be while on the way back to Mexico?

She wants to cut her hair short and dye it purple. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Author and Background

Cristina Henriquez is the author of "The Book of Unknown Americans."

Reasons for Immigration

The Rivera family migrates to the U.S. seeking better medical treatment and educational opportunities for their daughter, Maribel, who has suffered a brain injury.

Life in Mexico

Before their move, the Riveras led a comfortable life in Mexico, with Arturo managing a construction company and the family residing in a nice home.

Job Transition and Financial Hardship

Following Maribel's injury, Arturo loses his construction job in Mexico and takes a position at a mushroom factory in the U.S.
Arturo faces job insecurity as he is replaced by cheaper labor, leading to the family entering a financial crisis and losing their legal visa status.

Key Characters

Garrett is a school bully who targets Mayor and eventually sexually assaults Maribel.
Mayor experiences love at first sight with Maribel, highlighting the tenderness emerging amidst their struggles.

Challenges Faced by Characters

Characters introduced in separate chapters reflect shared struggles, emphasizing collective experiences among immigrants.
Marina’s dietary hardships symbolize their financial troubles, yet moments of laughter reveal small joys and emotional recovery.

Events Leading to Tragedy

Maribel suffers her brain injury when she falls while climbing a ladder to fetch paint.
Alma, Maribel’s mother, feels immense guilt as she wasn't holding the ladder during the fall.

Cultural and Societal Dynamics

Rafa, another character, drives slowly to avoid police profiling common for people of color.
Rafa's parenting is strict yet aims for his sons to achieve success in soccer, contrasting with Mayor's personal struggle with societal expectations from his father.

Support Systems

Maribel’s recovery is aided by both the school and Mayor, demonstrating the importance of community and individual relationships.
Alma enrolls in English courses out of personal interest, highlighting the immigrant drive to adapt and learn.

Significance of Community

The story of Quisqueya reinforces that characters are not alone in their hardships, providing a sense of solidarity among immigrant families.
The community comes together to help send Arturo's body back to Mexico, raising over $5,000 from various local connections.

Symbolism and Emotional Connections

The car represents freedom for Mayor but also embodies guilt following Arturo's death, showing a complex interplay of desire and loss.
Maribel shows signs of her former self during the journey back to Mexico when she expresses a desire to cut her hair and dye it purple, indicating resilience and a connection to her identity despite her struggles.

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Description

This quiz explores the themes and characters from Cristina Henriquez's 'The Book of Unknown Americans'. It delves into the immigration experiences of the Rivera family and the challenges they face in the United States. Test your knowledge of the key characters and their backgrounds.