Chapters 1-8

1. That they will have good luck every day the following year (Chapter 1)

2. Because he wants to be the “hero” (Chapter 1)

3. “Before, during, and after” (Chapter 3)

4. Cuban cigars (Chapter 8)

Short Answer

1. On New Year’s Eve, the “dictator-president” of Cuba left Cuba, signaling the start of the revolution. Julian and his family observe rising chaos in the streets of Havana after they hear the announcement on the radio. (Chapter 2)

2. Answers may include the following: Julian’s neighbor Angelita and her family leave the country; the streets are filled with soldiers; there are long lines at the supermarket and gas stations; many people are waiting at the US embassy to get their passports so they can leave. (Chapter 3)

3. The swallow pin is Mami’s favorite brooch. When she decides to send her three children to the US, she hides this brooch in Julian’s suitcase so it will go through airport security. (Chapters 5-7)

Chapters 9-17

Reading Check

1. Camp Kendal (Chapter 9)

2. Baseball (Chapter 14)