How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
It always rained a lot in Corcoran during the cotton season, but that year it rained more than usual. No sooner had we arrived from Fowler, where we had picked grapes, than it started to pour. […]
There was not a lot to do when it rained. (5.1-2)
Since the time of year impacts when plants are ready to be harvested, it also impacts whether Francisco's family can work at all. And when it's raining they get a free pass from work. This might sound pretty cool at first, but it also means they don't get paid, which is kind of scary. Francisco and his family have to find a way to stay busy when it's pouring cats and dogs outside, and cross their fingers that they can work again soon.
Quote #5
When I heard Papá say "we're broke too," I panicked. My hope for getting a ball of my own that Christmas faded—but only for a second. "It can't be like last year," I told myself. (6.5)
Francisco is a seriously hopeful kid. He has faith things will change from one year to the next, which is pretty cool—and since he figures that life will only get better over time, he has high hopes that this Christmas he'll get a cooler gift than last year. Even though Francisco ends up being disappointed (bye-bye ball, hello bag of candy), we've got to give him props for hoping that time can change all things for the better.
Quote #6
He had been in a terrible mood the last few days because he was not sure where we would work, now that the grape season was almost over. (7.5)
For Papá, the changing seasons can be seriously stressful. It his job to find the family new places to work, so when work is scarce and it's time to make a change, he's in a rough spot. Do you think Francisco's tone shows empathy for his pops? Or does Francisco not get how big of a deal the end of the grape season is?