Iveliz Explains It All

Explore how Iveliz’s grief over her father’s death shapes her self-perception throughout the narrative. What perspectives does the text offer about death?

Iveliz declares, “Adults think kids are so stupid. / We’re really not, you know. / We can spot a lie from a mile back” (122). Connect the quote to the theme of Misunderstandings Between Adults and Young People and explain why Iveliz views adults as antagonistic. How are Mimi, Mami, and Dr. Turnip adversarial? What reinforces her view, and what subverts it?

Unpack Iveliz’s relationship with Amir and Akiko. What causes their conflicts, and what steps do they take to stay friends? In each relationship, how does the process of reaching out and communicating help both Iveliz and her friends?