from The Book of Unknown Americans

Front

What is the internal conflict faced by the narrator in The Book of Unknown Americans?

Back

The narrator feels pressured by his family to identify as Panamanian and by his peers to identify as American, yet he feels more American than Panamanian.

Front

Why does Rafael cancel his trip to Panama?

Back

Rafael cancels his trip because he is angry about a conversation he had with a former classmate regarding his plans.

Front

What theme is represented by the line 'I spent a lot of time trying to find it in me, but usually I couldn't. I felt more American than anything, but even that was up for debate...'

Back

This line represents the theme of identity struggle and the complexities of feeling American while being an immigrant.

Front

What is a key theme in The Book of Unknown Americans?

Back

Adjusting to life as an immigrant is a difficult and lengthy process.

Front

What event happens last in the story?

Back

The narrator’s father takes them to the beach to remember Panama.

Front

Define 'immigrant.'

Back

An immigrant is a person who moves to a foreign country to live permanently.

Front

What does the term 'citizenship' mean?

Back

Citizenship is the status of being a legal member of a country, with rights and responsibilities.

Front

Explain the significance of the courthouse scene in the story.

Back

The courthouse scene symbolizes the family's hope and struggle to become American citizens, highlighting the challenges they face.

Front

What does the narrator's confusion about identity reflect?

Back

It reflects the broader immigrant experience of navigating multiple cultural identities and the pressure to conform.

Front

What does the phrase 'letting go of roots' imply in the context of immigration?

Back

It implies that immigrants may feel the need to abandon their cultural heritage to assimilate into a new society.