They tried to bury us...but they didn't know we were seeds.
-- Efrén (Chapter 1)

Importance: In Chapter 1, the author includes this quote to examine resilience. When Efrén and Jennifer are talking in the library, she tells him that her mother reminds her of this quote every day. She believes that running for office will give her the position to create change in the community. While she and Efrén face fear and persecution because they are the children of undocumented parents, they have the strength and tenacity to upend systems of oppression.

Mijo, most of the world speaks more than one language. And Spanish is a part of who we are. You'll understand when you're older.
-- Amá (Chapter 1)

Importance: Toward the outset of the narrative, Efrén chides his siblings for speaking Spanish at home. However, Amá reminds him that most people are bilingual, and Spanish is a core part of their heritage. Cisneros utilizes...