Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What is Makina’s job?

2. How does Makina “have a hand in the world”?

3. Why does Makina take the train in Big Chilango?

4. For what reason did Makina’s brother leave home?

5. What gruesome sight does Makina see in the beginning of Chapter 3?

6. In Makina’s memory in Chapter 3, what was the reason for the man’s cell phone not working?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What are the rules Makina lives by? Describe how these rules affect other people’s opinion of her.

2. Identify and briefly describe the three “top-dogs” that Makina visits in Chapter 1. Why does she make these visits?

3. Describe Makina’s day at the border town. Where does she stay and what does she do?

4. Who is Chucho? How does he help Makina in Chapter 2?

5. Summarize the altercation in Chapter 3. What is the outcome?

6. What is in Makina’s sack? What is her reasoning for traveling this way?

Paired Resource

“Aztec Mythology”

• This teacher-facing resource from Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute summarizes the journey of the underworld (See: Full Essay Assignment 3).