For the Hernandez family in Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida, poverty doesn't mean not having a home, nor does it mean completely going without food. But don't start thinking that struggling with poverty is a cakewalk for them either. Because they don't have much money, these folks need to be extra resourceful, wearing hand-me-downs and getting creative to make ends meet. Dealing with poverty can be seriously tough on family relationships in this book, especially when it comes to who rolls up their sleeves and works… and who doesn't.
Questions About Poverty
- What does poverty look like in this book? Are there certain features that define being poor? What are they?
- How does each character react to his or her experience of poverty? What are the similarities among the characters' reactions? How about the differences? Does poverty affect any characters' sense of self?
- What are the downsides to being poor in this book? Are there positive elements, too? How so?
Chew on This
Manny has to face his family's poverty in oodles of different ways, and sometimes it keeps this guy from moving forward.
Manny's family might not be rich, but this doesn't impact his ability to move forward in life one bit.