The short stories in a collection often share a common tone: the overarching attitude that a writer expresses through word choice and structure. How would you describe the tone of Soto’s collection? What diction and narrative elements contribute to this tone?

In literature, there are internal conflicts—when a character struggles within themselves—and external conflicts—when people, things, or circumstances create problems for someone else. Examine one story that contains an internal conflict and one that contains an external conflict. Then compare how the characters overcome their problems.

A person’s identity is shaped by multiple components—such as gender, age, race, ethnicity, and class. Consequently, people’s lives are often impacted by a combination of these elements, a phenomenon known as intersectionality. Choose a character from one story and explain how intersectionality influences their experiences.

In “The No-Guitar Blues,” the Chicano rock band Los Lobos inspires Fausto, yet “the blues” references a different genre of music entirely. Also, his parents enjoy conjunto—Mexican music featuring the accordion and a 12-stringed guitar. Research these musical genres and analyze how they contribute to one or more of the story’s dominant themes.

Growth often happens when a person pushes past their comfort zone. Choose two stories that illustrate this dynamic. How does the choice to do something uncomfortable contribute to these characters’ inner growth?

The concept of identity is interwoven with themes related to belonging, economic hardship, and growing up. Choose at least three characters from different stories. How do their experiences reflect Soto’s larger message about the multifaceted nature of identity?

Many characters in Soto’s stories grapple with economic hardship. Compare their experiences to those of young people in other novels, such as Ghost, by Jason Reynolds. How does poverty impact the characters’ relationships and their perception of themselves?

Each story in the collection is told from the perspective of a young protagonist. How would the narratives change if an adult narrator were relating the experiences of these children? What elements would be gained or lost?