1. Explain why Esperanza wishes to house "bums" in her attic. (Bums in the Attic)
2. How does Esperanza view herself in comparison to Nenny? How is she different from
those women who are beautiful and cruel? (Beautiful & Cruel)
3. What does Esperanza learn from her mother in this story, and how might their
relationship be described? (Smart Cookie)
4. Why do you think Sally lies about what happens to her at home? (What Sally Said)
5. How does Esperanza's family respond to the abuse, and how is this different from the
community's response? (What Sally Said)