Monthly Archives: February 2021

Study Guide: Merci Suarez Changes Gears, by Meg Medina

1. Early in the book, Merci’s father impresses upon her the importance of proving their worth as a working family. Is this a case of  teaching the value of work ethic to his children?

(No. We will soon learn that Merci’s family has agreed to barter labor in exchange for some of her tuition costs. The father is wanting to impress the school in order to secure Merci’s position as a student)

2. Merci’s extended family all live together on one piece of property, but separate houses. What are the pros and cons of this arrangement?

(family is very important to Merci, but it can feel a little crowded. It makes her a little self-conscious to have everyone know her business.)

3. Merci comments that “thinking is the trouble groups. Sometimes it’s not allowed…”. What does she mean?

(Merci is referring to Edna’s strong-willed personality. Edna is rarely open to ideas that are not in line with her own.)

4. Assigned to Michael Clark as her Sunshine Buddy, what factors make it so difficult for Merci to embrace this opportunity?

(It feels awkward. Edna clearly craves his attention and this creates an unintended rivalry. Also, Merci is conflicted about possibly wanting his friendship in an unexpected way.)

5. After the unfortunate accident with Michael and a baseball, Merci’s father gives her a speech about her behavior. “Your education will open doors later, Merci, believe me.” They are driving home in his old and worn out van, passing by all the beautiful houses of the area. What does Merci think about these houses now? 

(The houses are ugly now. Merci is feeling canceled. Merci’s family is angry with her, as is the entire school, it seems. This was completely an accident and yet there is a threat that it will be seen as an act of intentional violence.)

6. At the same time as all of the school drama, something very important is brewing at home with Lolo. How are Merci and Lolo adjusting to this new change?

(not well at all, really. Both Merci and Lolo are frustrated and confused by Lolo’s memory problems. They both lash out irrationally at the situation. For Merci, his condition is preventing her from playing on the soccer team. Sadly, in his confusion, Lolo almost becomes aggressive with abuela.) 

7. How does Merci react when Michael attends the party that Edna has excluded her from?

(She feels like he is being disloyal to her, even though she is trying to be understanding towards him.)

8. How does Merci come to understand her Lolo’s Alzheimers?

(Roli explains it after the car accident where they attempt to retrieve Lolo from the dangerous street.)

9. Lolo asks “why think about drowning before we reach the river?”. This is why the family didn’t burden Merci with the knowledge of his condition sooner. What connection occurs in this statement?

(Lolo, of all people, understands how frightened and out of control Merci is feeling about this. It’s so hard  watching your loved ones suffer.)

10. How does Merci react to Michael and Rachel becoming close?

(she is genuinely happy for them, and a little curious about boys herself.)

11.  How does Roli feel about his great college acceptance letter?

(he is actually nervous about moving away to college.)

12. Do Merci and Edna remain enemies?

(no, in the end they declare a truce and even find some common ground.)

13. Merci shares that all the changes in her life are making her sad. Is she able to see beyond this sadness?

(yes, she admits that changes also bring hope for new and exciting things as well. We don’t know what will happen, but just breath and enjoy the ride.)

Discussion Guide: The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate 

1. Ivan explains that, although he is considered a wild animal, he has no anger. What causes Ivan to be so disconnected to his fierce nature?

(He has no one to protect. Protecting the group in the function of a gorilla’s fierceness)

2. Stella can smell a new animal who is coming soon. Is she excited? 

(no, she does not wish this life on anyone)

3. Can you think of another fiction story that teaches us about silverbacks? 

(the Legend of Tarzan)

4. Jambo is a true story from 1986. Has there been any other incident of a young boy falling into a gorilla enclosure at a zoo?

(Yes, in 2016 a gorilla was shot and killed at a zoo after a 4 year-old accidentally fell in. Why 2 opposite outcomes? Jambo was calm and protective of the 5 year-old in 1986, while Harambe’s activity was being interpreted as aggressive and potentially threatening)

5. What does the author hope to accomplish by writing from the animal point of view?

(to become compassionate towards animals in captivity)

6. What promise does Ivan make to Stella on her deathbed? How does it create a change in Ivan?

(Ivan promises to rescue Ruby from this dreadful life of hopeless captivity. It stimulates his protective nature and motivates him to attempt a better life for himself, as well.

7. Ivan compares human baby eyes to baby gorilla eyes: “…(too) big for their faces, and for the world.” What does this mean?

(perhaps it means that children are gullible and unprepared for life’s dark reality?)

8. When Ivan decides that his billboard puzzle needs the word “home” do we think of another fiction story where a message is spelled out by an animal?

(Charlotte’s Web)

9. When we think of Ivan being “the one and only”, does our perspective of that title change over the course of the story?

(Yes, eventually we let go of the glamorous meaning and begin to see it as complete isolation)

10. What purpose does it serve to have Ivan verify that Ruby is now happily placed nearby at the zoo? 

(Closure. Now Ivan can live his life knowing that he made good on his promise to his “other family”)

Vocabulary list:

Nimbly – quick and light in motion

Addled – confused, unable to think clearly