The Distance Between Us

Recall an experience when you were too intimidated to stand up for yourself. What did you do? What was the result?

What experience do you have either learning another language or trying to understand someone who is still learning English? How have those experiences informed your global perspective?

Reyna survived countless situations of abuse, both physical and emotional. What advice would you give to a young person who has gone through similar trouble?

What roles do language and writing play throughout the book?

Given her active imagination and acute memory, Grande is able to distill the two into a complete narrative. Write about examples when she combines the two.

What cultural stereotypes are you aware of, and how do they inform your reaction to people who are not of your ethnic/racial/religious background?

The concept of family is important in the book, even though family relationships can sometimes harm individuals. Consider an experience when family obligations interfered with your sense of self or well-being. How did you cope? What was the result?

There are times when Grande questions her identity. Is she American? Is she Mexican? Make a list of five items that describe the essentials of your identity (gender, race, religion, age, etc.) and explain why they are important to you.