THINK ABOUT IT QUESTIONS Page by page MY FAVORITE CHAPERONE THINK ABOUT IT QUESTIONS Page by page

Page 3 Reread lines 1–14 to analyze what this first paragraph reveals about the narrator. What can you infer about the narrator? The narrator is a student who wants to be able to go to a school dance but thinks it is unlikely she can get permission. The use of the word nyet and the reference to life in America suggest that the narrator may be an immigrant to the United States.

Page 4 What details explain how an international dating magazine brought the narrator’s family to America? Aunt Madina met her American husband and moved after placing her picture in a dating magazine. “Things got very hard” in Kazakhstan. The narrator’s parents “lost their teaching jobs” and had to sell family possessions to survive. Aunt Madina asked the narrator’s family to join her in America and they agreed.

Reread lines 68–78 to identify the story’s conflict. Page 5 Reread lines 68–78 to identify the story’s conflict. The conflict is the narrator’s desire to go to the Spring Fling, though she is sure her parents will not give their permission for her to do so.

Page 6 Reread lines 111–125 to find the words and phrases that reveal Maya’s reaction to being called to the office. What does the way she speaks to Mr. Walsh reveal about her feelings? Maya’s “voice came out as a whisper.” She says she “felt such terror” that she “could barely speak.” Her strong reaction suggests that she has a great fear of the consequences if she causes trouble.

Page 7 Reread lines 140–149 to identify the comparisons that help you imagine the scene as Maya arrives at the office. What is the effect of the author’s comparisons? The author says that Maya’s mind “was empty, like a dry riverbed where there is only cracked, baked earth and nothing lives.” Maya moves “like a person made from wood, a puppet.” The comparison creates a feeling of stiffness, or a lack of life. It reinforces that Maya is terrified in this situation.

Page 8 Reread lines 163–180 to identify why Maya has become involved in the events surrounding her brother’s suspension from school. What does her involvement suggest about her role in the family? Maya has become involved because school officials want her to help locate her parents; she has been asked to act as their translator. Maya’s involvement suggests that she is often placed in situations “at the store, at the doctor” where she must be adult-like as she speaks for her parents.

Page 9 Reread lines 231–246 to find out what led to Nurzhan’s fight. What does the conversation reveal about Nurzhan? Mr. Zabornik says, “That kid . . . was teasing Nurzhan something fierce. Telling him he could never be a real American, making fun of the way he talked.” The conversation shows the challenges Nurzhan is facing as an immigrant in America and implies that he has put up with a lot before losing his temper.

What does the phrase “this was no scuffle” suggests about the fight? Page 10 What does the phrase “this was no scuffle” suggests about the fight? Since scuffle usually describes a minor disturbance or fight, the phrase suggests that the fight was fairly serious and could have led to injuries.

Page 11 Papa says very little, but Maya’s translation tells readers what he is like. What does her translation suggest about Papa? Maya’s translation suggests that Papa can be volatile or quick to anger. Her translation minimizes the seriousness of the fight: “involved in quite a nasty fight” vs. “in a little fight;” “The other boy . . . needed two stitches” vs. “The other boy . . . was a little hurt.”

Why does Maya believe her actions are justified? Page 12 Why does Maya believe her actions are justified? While Maya admits that her actions were “sort of like telling lies,” she justifies them by saying that “some lies are okay.” She says that she was “scared to death of what Papa might have done.”a

What is Maya’s role in Nurzhan’s life? Page 13 What is Maya’s role in Nurzhan’s life? Maya is responsible for taking care of her brother. With both parents working, she takes on the role of an adult in his life: “Take off your jacket and hang it up,” “Do your work.” The dialogue also shows that while she was protective of him during the crisis in the principal’s office, she now wants him to realize that she missed an important event because of him: “I missed the gymnastics meet because of you!”

Page 14 Identify the difference in customs between Kazakhstan and America that causes a problem. “In Kazakhstan, if someone insults you, they have insulted everyone in the family. And everyone must respond.”

Page 15 In what ways is Maya like a typical middle school student? In what ways is she different? Maya enjoys sports and is interested in clothes and in boys like many middle school girls; her excitement about gymnastics practice and the new team leotards allows her to forget her troubles for a while. She seems a bit more shy or uncomfortable around boys than most middle school girls.

Page 16 Identify the comparisons that show Maya’s view of the situation after her father arrives. What is the effect of the author’s comparisons? The author says that “Papa stood like a huge bull in his dark leather jacket,” Maya was “whimpering and trembling inside like a dog caught stealing a chicken,” and Papa’s silence filled the cab “like a dark cloud.” The comparisons emphasize Papa’s strength and power, while showing how defenseless Maya feels.

Page 17 What does Maya’s parents’ reaction suggest about Maya’s chance of being allowed to go to the dance? Maya’s parents blame each other: Papa says, “Is this how you raise your daughter! Is this what you teach her?” Mama says, “Who let her stay after school? Who gives permission for all these things? . . . If you left it to me, she would come home every day.” Since they see nonschool activities as a problem, it seems unlikely that they will sign the permission slip for Maya to go to the dance.

18 What does Mama mean when she says, “You have brought shame to your father and to this family”? Mama’s comment suggests it is embarrassing to her parents for Maya to interact with a boy in any way, but especially if she is in physical contact with him.

What does Nurzhan do, and what does it reveal about him? 19 What does Nurzhan do, and what does it reveal about him? Nurzhan is attempting to ease things for Maya and help his mother understand that Maya’s actions have a different meaning in America than they would have at home. Nurzhan’s intervention reveals that he cares about his family and feels a bond with Maya because they both are having trouble adjusting to their new home.

20 Identify the ways in which Maya’s life changes as a result of Mama’s injury. How does Mama’s injury both simplify and complicate Maya’s life? “It was decided that I’d take Mama’s jobs for her,” “I wouldn’t go to gymnastics practice,” “as soon as I got home I had to make dinner for everyone,” “Each day I got more tired.” While Maya is too busy to do the one thing she enjoys—gymnastics—she is also so focused on the tasks she must do that it is easy for her to avoid getting into trouble with her parents.

What is the impact of Mama’s statement on Maya? 21  Identify what Mama says to stick up for Maya and Maya’s reaction to it. What is the impact of Mama’s statement on Maya? Mama says, “Maya is doing the best she can. It is not easy. . . . She is just a young girl.” Maya is both shocked and grateful.

22 Identify Maya’s reaction to Nurzhan’s suggestion that he can convince Papa to sign the permission slip. How does Nurzhan’s plan provoke a decision that pleases everyone? Maya’s reaction from the text: “could only smile a sad smile,” “afraid to really hope,” “stared at the slip in disbelief,” “Thank you, Mama. Thank you, Papa.” Nurzhan’s plan to be a chaperone keeps her in the company of a trusted family member while attending the dance. Maya is allowed to attend the dance in a way that respects her parents’ rules and traditions. Both Maya and her parents get what they want.

23 Note the details of Nurzhan’s plan to chaperone Maya at the dance. What does his plan reveal about him? When Maya expresses concern about what her friends will think about her having a chaperone, Nurzhan says, “I thought about that problem. You will tell them you must baby-sit for me.” The fact that Nurzhan thought about potential problems in advance and came up with a way to address them shows that he is becoming more grown- up.

24 Why is Mama’s gift for Maya is important to both Mama and Maya? Why does the bracelet represent a change in Mama? Mama received the bracelet from her mother when she was sixteen. In giving the bracelet to Maya to wear at the dance, Mama is acknowledging that “girls and boys dance younger” in America. Story events have helped her begin to understand the differences between Kazakh and American cultures.

25 Compare Maya’s experience at the dance to Nurzhan’s. How does Nurzhan fulfill his role as chaperone while still allowing Maya to enjoy the dance? Nurzhan watches Maya from a corner of the room but chooses to go to the bathroom each time Maya dances with Daniel. He does what he promised his parents he would do, but he doesn’t prevent Maya from having a good time.

26 Note Maya’s thoughts about the dance. Why does Maya think that the bracelet represents a change in her family? Maya is “struck by how much things had changed.” She now owns a bracelet that her mother once wore. It indicates a willingness in Maya’s mother to be more mindful of the differences between their traditional culture and the modern America Maya will grow up in. The bracelet is a step toward more flexibility and understanding between Maya and her parents. It also is a way for Maya to carry her mother’s traditions with her.

“My Favorite Chaperone” THE END! Good job everyone!!! Thanks for answering all these questions!!!! You are awesome!!!!!!!!