7^th Grade English Name:______________________

Lupita Mañana, by Patricia Beatty

Reading Questions, Chapters 9-13

Please answer on full-sized lined notebook paper.

Chapter 9

1. When Lupita and Salvador finally arrive in Indio, after their long walk, how do they find the house of their Aunt Consuelo?

2. When they arrive at the house, what is revealed to be the truth about Aunt Consuelo?

3. Describe the atmosphere and the occupants of Aunt Consuelo’s house.

4. It looks like Lupita and Salvador will not be able to live with their aunt and uncle, but will have to find an apartment or something instead. Until Aunt Consuelo has the idea to… what?

Chapter 10

1. Why doesn’t Aunt Consuelo speak English, even after twenty years in the United States?

2. Pay attention to little Irela, who will gradually grow closer to Lupita. What is the first time she comes to Lupita’s attention?

3. After a full day of work in the fields, what is Lupita’s reaction to her new job?

4. What is Salvador’s reaction to the work? Describe what is happening to Salvador and his attitude?

Chapter 11

1. The next day of work in the fields is equally back-breaking, but to raise her spirits Lupita has on her mind what two things she will be doing in the future?

2. Write the letter that Lupita writes to her mother. You’ll have to imagine it, but remember, she’s making life in Indio seem better than it really is. Write at least a 5-sentence letter.

3. In this chapter, we meet our next character, Lucio—or Lucky—Señor Fidencio’s grandson. From what you learn in this chapter, describe him, inside and out, and what his life is like.

4. Why would Salvador immediately like someone like Lucky? Why is Salvador so angry by the end of this chapter?

Chapter 12

1. What happens to the woman Elena the next day in the zucchini field? Why is she so desperate not to go to the hospital but to keep on working, instead?

2. Salvador now despises Papá’s coat. This is symbolic of what thing going on inside of Salvador?

3. Irela takes Lupita shopping for a new dress. What all does she buy, and how much does she pay for all of it? (It may seem cheap, but it is after all a cheap little shop and the 1980’.)

4. Entering the house after church that Sunday, what does Lupita smell?

5. What news does Salvador have which upsets Lupita so much?

6. Complete the quote by writing it again, putting in the missing phrases: “Lupita knew what she must do. She must make a ___________. Sí! She would trust ___________.”

7. Salvador’s change is nearly complete. What behavior is he showing now that nearly drives Lupita crazy with anger and worry?

8. What does Salvador answer when Lupita reminds him of Dorotea, his old girl back in Ensenada?

9. The brakes fail on Sr. Fidencio’s truck! It’s scary, but at least it gives Lupita a chance to talk to Lucky. But what happens when she talks to Lucky?

10. Tell a little bit about what happens at Christmas time, and the Day of the Three Kings.

Chapter 13

1. The first part of this chapter sets up Lupita being “invited” to the Valentine’s Day dance. Why does she end up being invited to the dance?

2. “What’s wrong with you, Salvador?” asks Lupita. “What’s happening to you?” If Salvador answered truly and honestly, what would he say?

3. Finally, after dancing lessons and excited preparations, the day of the big dance arrives. Describe the behavior of Salvador and Lucky (and Rafael, when she finally meets him) on the way to the dance.

4. What various things are at the dance, or happen at the dance, to make Lupita feel small and unattractive?

5. Finally, a big turning point arrives in the story. What major thing happens during the dance, leaving Lupita sitting outside the bathroom window? What happens to Salvador?

6. Lupita makes a decision: She must learn English. Why? (There is more than one answer.)

7. In what way does this book end on a negative note? In what way does it end on a positive note? How is the title—and Lupita’s nickname—an appropriate one for this story?