A letter home

When Victor finally sends money to his mother, he is "on a mountaintop of happiness" (page 208). If he could have sent a letter to her with the money, what would he have said? Write the letter to his mother.

Shame and Failure

On page 126, Victor says, "I was numb. I was ashamed. I had failed." What would his family have said to him about his attempt to cross the border alone? Why does Victor feel shame?

Expectations

Rico leaves Mexico because of his parents' expectations of him (on page 7) and he returns to Mexico because of his expectations of himself (page 214). What happens to make him have a change of heart? Give a thorough answer, not just one sentence.

Illegal Workers Needed

On page 100, Miguel and Victor talk about the relationship between the illegal Mexican imigrants and the States. Miguel poses several rhetorical questions to Victor. Discuss the answsers:
Who would do all the work?
Are they willing to pick the fruits and the vegetables to fill their grocery stores? How much would their food cost without us to harvest it?

Write your answers to the above three questions as a critical thinking paragraph. Don't just give a one-word answer.

Friends or Enemies?

Despite Miguel's rough treatment of Victor, how does Miguel really feel about Victor? What actions show the reader how Miguel feels? How do their circumstances affect their relationship? Why do friends occasionally have to show "tough love"?

Facing their fears

Facing their fears, the men who travel to the States from Mexico to support their families exhibit amazing courage and strength. What prompts them to take the risk? How do their families survive without them?

Advantages in America

On page 97, Miguel and Victor talk about the opportunities in America for hard workers and the advantages childen have in the states. What does Miguel mean when he says, "In Mexico, if you are born poor, there are no branches within reach, and the trunk is coates with lard?" Why do fewer advantages exist in Mexico? Be sure to explain the quote as well as answer the last question.

Nicknames

Rico's nickname for Victor is Turtle. How does that nickname suit Victor? What actions does Victor take to show Rico that the nickname may no longer apply? Why are nicknames sometimes hurtful? Be sure to answer all three questions.

The role of faith

On page 23 and again on page 80 Victor talks about praying and his faith in God. What role do his beliefs play in the choices he makes for his life? How do his beliefs help him walk through the trials he faces?

Good choice/Bad Choice

Victor, Rico, and others like them in Mexico feel they have no choice except to go to the United States to work. Post a list of three pros and three cons that help these young men make their decision. Then choose one of your pro/con and discuss why it was a good or bad option.