1. How did Francisco and Paul become friends and why was there a special connection between them?
2. In what two ways was Paul instrumental important in making something possible in Francisco's having very successful junior and senior years at Santa Maria High School? Have you ever had a friend like Paul who was instrumental in your success? Explain.
3. What line indicates that Francisco believed his father was very intelligent? (p. 136)
4. During the Easter break, what issue concerned Francisco as he read about current events for his history class? Why would this issue be especially important to him?
5. Why did Manuelito Martínez encourage Franicsco to run for office? What explains the line "I knew what he meant."
6. Why do you think Paul said that Francisco would make a good politician?
7. What does it mean when a person says, "I am a man of few words"?
8. After the elction, Paul and Francisco savored enjoyed the experience for as long as possible
every moment, but as soon as he turned into Bonetti Ranch, Francisco's mood changed. Describe what had happened.
9. How did Francisco try to cheer up his father? Did it work? How do you know?
10. Write the line with the simile (p. 144) and the line with an image at the end of the chapter. State what these two lines suggest to you.
Running for Office