When you have a strong-willed mom, a dad with a drinking problem, and a handful of feisty siblings, you've got yourself a recipe for some family drama. And for the Hernandez family in Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida, that's just what they're in for.
Most of the time, Manny and his family members are butting heads; they just can't seem to get along. Sometimes it's one of them almost shooting the other (which happens not once, but twice, folks), and other times it's just little tiffs about clothes or going to work. In other words, the tender moments sure can be hard to come by for this family. Bummer.
Questions About Family
- What makes a family strong in this book? And what makes a family weak? How would you characterize the Hernandez family?
- How are sibling relationships different than parent-child ones? Is one kind of relationship better or worse in this story?
- What are the positive effects of having a family? And what are the downsides? Is family overall a good or a bad thing in Parrot it the Oven?
- What is Grandma's role in Manny's family? How does she impact relations amongst everyone else in the family?
Chew on This
Family is the worst. In Parrot in the Oven, all Manny's family does is cause trouble, so it has an entirely negative impact on his life.
Family is rough, but still worth it. In Parrot in the Oven, Manny's family has its fair share of problems but they still have a positive impact on Manny in the long run.