Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Piddy’s father is not physically present in the narrative, but his absence impacts her significantly. Citing examples from the text, analyze how Piddy’s father functions as a ghost-like figure. How does he influence the actions, feelings, and relationships of both Piddy and her mother, Clara, despite his lack of involvement in their lives? What narrative devices does Medina use to characterize Piddy’s father, despite him never appearing in scene?

An author can use the setting for symbolic reasons. Consider when and how Piddy navigates the New York City subway system. Using textual evidence, what does this aspect of the setting represent? Why?

Darlene is one of Piddy’s only friends at Daniel Jones High. Look closely at their relationship and compare it to Piddy’s interactions with her other friends and family, identifying key similarities and differences. How would you characterize Darlene and Piddy’s relationship?

Animals make minor appearances in the novel. Examine Fabio, Gloria’s dog, and the kittens Joey and Piddy save. What role do they play in the narrative?

Microaggressions are subtle, indirect, or unintentional discrimination against a person belonging to a marginalized group. Examine the exchange between Piddy and Darlene on page 144 as an example. Identify two other examples of microaggressions in the novel. What impact do these interactions have on Piddy?

While grappling with a move, bullies, and the truth about her parents, Piddy matures, marking this novel as a bildungsroman. In this genre, a young person learns life lessons from adults and mentors. Select at least two characters who have contributed to Piddy’s growth throughout the novel. What lessons do they provide, and how do they help Piddy mature?

When in danger, a person may go into a fight or flight response, and recent research suggests that a person may also freeze or fawn. Read more about this instinctual human response to stressors, and evaluate further why it is difficult for targets of bullying or other kinds of abuse to speak out. How does this concept further illuminate The Difficulties of Standing Up Against Injustice?

At Daniel Jones High, racial groups do not mix in the cafeteria. Psychologist Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum studied this phenomenon in her book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? In it, she links adolescence with racial identity development. Explore this concept and analyze how it applies to Piddy. Keep in mind that the developmental stages are not always linear and can be revisited at any time in a person’s life.