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1. Why did Francisco tell the other students that he was going to Cal Poly? Had he actually applied? why or why not? 2. How did his senior counselor, Mr. Penney, try to convince Francisco that he could afford college? Did Francisco believe that he would be able to go? Why or why not? 3. What other idea did Mr. Penney have for helping the family at home so Francisco could go to college? 4. Explain the meaning and reasoning behind the line, "My excitement slowly faded." (p. 166) 5. Describe what happened when Francisco told the family about the plan Mr. Penney and he had discussed. Do you see a turning point in how Francisco stood up to his father? Explain. 6. How did Mamá assuage (to make a bad feeling better) Francisco's fear and sadness? To her, what was "a good sign"? 7. Explain Francisco's myriad (a very large number of something) thoughts and feelings as he walked the library garden and cleaned the gas company the next day. 8. What surprise did Mamá have for him when he got home late that evening? Explain what had happened that day. 9. Why did Francisco have to apply to Santa Clara University? For what reasons did it appeal to him? 10. Why did Francisco call his counselor Santo Nino de Atocha? 11. Was Francisco able to get a good night's sleep the night before his SAT exam? Explain in detail. 12. How did Francisco feel about his SAT results? How did Mr. Penney feel about his performance on the SAT? 13. Explain the significance of the chapter title. Index |
