Breaking Through

Multiple Choice

1. C (Chapter 1)

2. A (Chapter 3)

3. B (Chapter 5)

4. C (Chapter 6)

5. B (Chapter 7)

6. D (Various chapters)

7. B (Chapter 9)

8. A (Chapter 10)

9. C (Chapter 11)

10. A (Chapter 12)

11. B (Chapter 15)

12. D (Chapter 13)

13. A (Chapter 18)

14. B (Chapters 22-25)

15. C (Chapters 22-25)

Long Answer

1. Trampita is Panchito’s younger brother. As an infant, he was left to sleep in a tent with Panchito and Roberto on a mattress placed on the ground while his parents worked the night shift at the canning factory. During the night, while his siblings slept, Trampita rolled out of the tent. He is called “Trampita” (Little Tramp) because Mama dressed him in clothing that she found in the city dump. When both Panchito and Trampita are older, Trampita cheerfully assumes Panchito’s janitorial job in order to allow his older brother to leave home to attend college and becomes a powerful symbol of the theme of the importance of family and community in the book. (Various chapters)

2. Panchito’s ability to blend Latino and American cultures is demonstrated by his choice of singing a traditional Mexican folk song and the offer of his American friend, George Harshbarger, to accompany him on guitar and provide tips for performing in front of a large audience. This practical support, combined with the emotional support of Roberto—who yells out encouragement when he notices that Panchito has stage fright—results in a successful performance. The talent show represents Panchito’s greater assimilation into American culture and how the support from his friends and family is crucial in helping him get through difficult times. (Chapters 16-18)