Merci Suarez Changes Gears

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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)

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.) 

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.)

  1. 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.)

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

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

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

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

  1. Do Merci and Edna remain enemies?

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

  1. 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.)