View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the name of Quisqueya Solis's stepbrother who raped her?

2. Rafael says that he met his wife Celia while playing a game of pickup baseball on a beach near where?

3. How old was Enrique when his family moved to the U.S.?

4. At what shopping center does Gustavo Milhojas now work at a movie theater?

5. For how long did Arturo and Alma try to have a baby before they conceived?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alma compare her life in Mexico to her life in the U.S.?

2. What encounter does Alma witness between Maribel and Garrett? How does she respond?

3. Describe Maribel Rivera. How old is she? What is her demeanor like when she is introduced?

4. What are some examples of the obstacles faced by the Riveras after their arrival in the U.S.?

5. What does Garrett do to Maribel to lead Mayor to stand up for her by the bus stop?

6. Where is Quisqueya Solis from? Why did she come to the U.S.?

7. What obstacles does the winter bring to the Riveras?

8. What family history of Garrett's is related through Mayor's narrative?

9. How is the relationship between Enrique and Rafael different from Rafael's relationship with Mayor?

10. What are Mayor's circumstances in the opening of the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the themes of blame and guilt in The Book of Unknown Americans. Why does Alma blame herself for Maribel's accident? Do you think that her guilt is justified? Who is responsible for Arturo's death?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the sibling rivalry and jealousy that is seen between Mayor and his brother Enrique. In what ways does Mayor resent Enrique? In what ways does he envy his brother? How are each of the brothers' relationships with their parents different?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of romantic love in The Book of Unknown Americans. How is this theme illustrated through Alma and Arturo? How is it illustrated through the Toro family? How does the author explore this theme through Mayor and Maribel?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 842 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample