Summer of the mariposas

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 22 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. Chapter 1: How does Odilia describe her sisters and her family life at the beginning of the story? What clues show what each sister is like?
2. Chapter 2: When the sisters find the dead man in the river, what choices do they have? What makes their decision so difficult?
3. Chapter 3: Why do the girls decide to take the man back to his family in Mexico? What does this choice show about their values?
4. Chapter 4: La Llorona gives Odilia advice and a special gift. How does this change the girls' journey and Odilia's role as the oldest sister?
5. Chapter 5: What dangers or problems do the sisters face as they begin traveling away from home? How do they try to stay brave?
6. Chapter 6: Choose one word from this chapter that feels important or powerful. What does it mean, and how does it help you understand the mood of the chapter?
7. Chapter 7: How do the sisters work together during one of their challenges in this chapter? What does their teamwork teach us about family?
8. Chapter 8: What do you predict will be the hardest part of the trip for the sisters? Use details from the story to explain your thinking.
9. Chapter 9: How does Odilia handle being responsible for her younger sisters? Do you think she is a good leader? Why or why not?
10. Chapter 10: The story includes magical or legendary creatures. How do these parts make the journey feel different from a regular road trip?
11. Chapter 11: What lesson do the sisters learn from facing danger in this chapter? How might that lesson help them later?
12. Chapter 12: How do the sisters' feelings about one another change as the journey continues? Give an example from the chapter.
13. Chapter 13: What does the visit with the dead man's family show about kindness, respect, or doing the right thing?
14. Chapter 14: After the sisters complete part of their mission, what new worries or questions do they still have? What do you think they should do next?
15. Chapter 15: How does meeting or thinking about relatives in Mexico help the sisters understand their family history?
16. Chapter 16: What does this chapter show about the sisters' culture, traditions, or beliefs? Why are those details important to the story?
17. Chapter 17: Pick one sister who changes in this chapter. What does she say or do that shows she is growing?
18. Chapter 18: The girls face fear again in this part of the story. How do they show courage even when they are scared?
19. Chapter 19: What message about mothers, daughters, or family love do you notice in this chapter? Use a detail from the story to support your answer.
20. Chapter 20: How does Odilia begin to understand her mother's choices more clearly? What changes in the way Odilia thinks?
21. Chapter 21: As the sisters get closer to home, what do you predict will happen when they see their mother again? What problems might still need to be solved?
22. Chapter 22: What is one important theme of the whole book? Explain how the sisters' journey helps teach that theme.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Chapter 3: Why do the girls decide to take the man back to his family in Mexico? What does this choice show about their values?

I think the girls decide to take the man back because they know he belongs with his family. Even though the trip is risky, they feel that leaving him behind would be wrong. This shows that they value respect, family, and doing the right thing. It also shows that they are braver than they realize.

Chapter 10: The story includes magical or legendary creatures. How do these parts make the journey feel different from a regular road trip?

The magical parts make the journey feel like an adventure from a legend instead of just a trip. When the sisters meet strange beings, I feel like anything could happen next. These parts also connect the story to Mexican folklore. I think they make the girls' problems seem bigger and more exciting.

Chapter 22: What is one important theme of the whole book? Explain how the sisters' journey helps teach that theme.

One important theme is that family love can help people get through hard things. The sisters argue sometimes, but they keep protecting one another on the journey. Odilia also learns more about her mother and what their family has been through. By the end, I think the trip helps them become stronger together.