How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
On Wednesday, May 23, a few days before the end of the school year, Miss Scalapino took me by surprise. After we were all sitting down and she had taken roll, she called for everyone's attention. I did not understand what she said, but I heard her say my name as she held up a blue ribbon. She then picked up my drawing of the butterfly that had disappeared weeks before and held it up for everyone to see. She walked up to me and handed me the drawing and the silk blue ribbon that had the number one printed on it in gold. I knew then I had received first prize for my drawing. I was so proud I felt like bursting out of my skin. (3.28)
Francisco may not be able to understand what Miss Scalapino says, but there are other ways to communicate too. Francisco reads Miss S's non-verbal signals here, and understands his victory perfectly.
Quote #5
The shadows cast by the dim light made the circles under her eyes look even darker. As she began to wrap the gifts, silent tears ran down her cheeks. I did not know why.
At dawn, my brothers and I scrambled to get the presents that have been placed next to our shoes. I picked mine up and nervously tore at the butcher-paper wrapping: a bag of candy. Roberto, Trampita, and Torito looked sadly at me and at each other. They, too, had received a bag of candy. Searching for words to tell Mamá how I felt, I looked up at her. Her eyes were full of tears. (6.17)
So it's Christmas time and no one is happy about these candy gifts. Mamá and Papá don't have the money to buy Francisco the ball he wants, and even though Papá has been talking about them being broke, our main man can't quite see the big picture. So when he sees his Mamá crying, he can't figure out what she's so upset about. And when he gets disappointed about the candy, he just doesn't know what to say to his parents. Even with family, sometimes communication is just plain hard.
Quote #6
At sunset we drove into a labor camp near Fresno. Since Papá did not speak English, Mamá asked the camp foreman if he needed any more workers. "We don't need no more," said the foreman, scratching his head. "Check with Sullivan down the road. Can't miss him. He lives in a big white house with a fence around it."
When we got there, Mamá walked up to the house. […] The porch light went on and a tall, husky man came out. They exchanged a few words. After the man went in, Mamá clasped her hands and hurried back to the car. "We have work!" (9.13-14)
Most of Francisco's family doesn't speak English, so when it comes to finding new jobs, they need to work together. And when they come across English-speaking folks, Mamá gets to show off her language skills and find her family some new work. Go team.