Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
Exposition
Getting to Know You
The Hernandez family is large and they've got drama to spare. From the moment we meet Manny, we learn that he has siblings with some serious attitudes, a dad who'd rather get drunk than go to work, and a mom who's just trying to keep her wits about her. Plus, Manny himself is trying to figure out what school he'll go to and how to become the star of the baseball team. All in all, the set-up for this book has us realizing that Manny and his family are going to have some big adventures ahead.
Rising Action
Where Do I Belong?
Manny has a tough time finding his place in the world. When he's with his family, there's so much drama it's not even funny. Seriously: His dad tries to shoot his mom, and Manny almost shoots his little sister—nothing funny about this family drama. And at school, Manny just wants to find a group that will accept him, whether it's the boxing team or a girl at a party. Since Manny goes through so many struggles with his family and social life, we know that things are definitely ramping up in his tale. He's looking everywhere, but doesn't quite fit.
Climax
Being Nice is the Best
This book's climax comes super late in the game—as in, the very last chapter. We spend a lot of time watching Manny try to find ways to fit in and be accepted, and then all of a sudden, he has a major turning point when he realizes that he cares way more about being a good guy than being part of a gang. Phew, right? And you don't even have to take our word for this being the climax to Manny's story: He straight up tells us it's a turning point for him. And that, Shmoopers, is exactly what the climax of a book is.
Falling Action
Fear No More
This book wraps up pretty fast after the climax, so we have a super short falling action. Basically, after Manny realizes he doesn't want to be part of a gang, some good karma heads his way. Specifically, the cops don't realize he was at all connected to the robbery, so our main man stays out of trouble. And then when he walks by some bullies in his neighborhood, Manny doesn't even feel afraid. Looks like Manny's turning point means that he's feeling self-assured as this tale reaches its end.
Resolution
Home is Where the Gang-Free Heart Is
When Manny makes it back home, he's happy as a clam. And even though his house hasn't always been the cheeriest place ever, now it's the only place Manny wants to be. Since Manny tells us that his home feels like a place "I had come back to after a long journey of being away" (11.92), we know that he feels like he's come full circle. Sure, he's had lots of adventures and learned a lot, but now that he's home, he's where he belongs. And with this, his story is done.