Which five plot events are most helpful in preparing Lina for her moment at the microphone during the school board meeting? How does she gain support throughout the book? What does support mean to her, and what impact does it have on her character development?

Lao Lao is present only in Lina’s memories or on the phone. What writing techniques help to characterize Lao Lao? What traits and changes are apparent, even though this character does not appear in person in any scenes?

How does Carla and her mother’s involvement with the WWOOFers organization support their goals while hindering them from progressing forward? What are the most probable reasons Mrs. Muñoz decides to leave the farm? How is her decision to leave similar or different from Dad’s decision? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.