Summary

Ms. Coronado is a brilliant science teacher who makes everything she teaches in class interesting. Through Ms. Coronado’s lesson on the human body, Maria comes to realize that everyone, beneath their skin, is the same. In English, Mr. Golden explains that poets are often ignored, though they are always working. He tells Maria she is definitely a poet. He has her read some of her poetry to the class. They applaud her. Christmas arrives and Maria’s entire building celebrates. Abuela sends Maria childhood photos. Maria sees many common features between herself and her grandmother, including their smile. Mr. C is the math teacher at school. He has a Southern accent, and all the girls have crushes on him. Maria recognizes that Mr. C. misses his home state...