Journey of the Sparrows
by Fran Leeper Buss

Character / Who is this character?
Maria Cordoba
Julia Cordoba
Oscar Cordoba
Tomas
Marta
Dona Elena
Alicia
Mama
Teresa
Father Jonathan
Ramona
Laura & Manual Lucas
Ana Arogon
Beatriz Esqueda
Estela, Gilberto, & Juan

Vocabulary

Note the meaning for each word as it is used in the story.

quetzal
midwife
coyotes (not the animal)
adobe
shadowman (p. 19)
probecito (Spanish, p. 13)
mijita (Spanish)
bienvenidos (Spanish, p. 25)
chachalacas (Spanish, p. 38)
norteamericanos (Spanish, p. 39)
azatran (Spanish, p. 66)
llanos (Spanish, p. 94)
gumption (p. 118)
third-world country
tecomate (Spanish, p. 123)
la migra (Spanish, p. 145)

Study Guide

Discussion

  1. What does the quetzal bird symbolize? Why does Maria call the homeless woman the Quetzal Lady?
  1. Was it fair for Maria’s father to tell her, “You will be the one who saves the family”? Why or why not? What does he really mean? What affect did this have on Maria?
  1. What does the Quetzal Lady mean when she tells Maria, “Flies don’t enter a closed mouth”?
  1. Is it ever OK to steal? Should someone who steals for a “good” reason receive consequences?
  1. Which character has the most significant influence on Maria, in your opinion? Explain why you think so? Why have Maria and her family fled their home?

Written Responses: Practice these answers on another sheet of paper before the test.

  1. Short Answer/Constructed Response:What did Dona Elena mean when she said to Maria, “You’ll learn that the goodness, the goodness you had before, it can’t ever go away. It’s all inside you.” (p. 96) What was her purpose in saying this?
  1. Short Answer/Constructed Response: Compare and contrast Maria to a character from another novel (such as Catherine in Catherine, Called Birdy) and yourself. Use a 3-Way Venn Diagram. Then explain in 3-5 sentences how these characters are alike using textual evidence. Include at least one way you are alike or different than these characters.
  1. Short Answer/Constructed Response: How did Maria’s father’s prediction that she would be the one who would “save the family” come true? Use at least 3 pieces of textual evidence to support your answer.
  1. Essay/Extended Response: How isthe theme of perseverance shown in this novel? Explain three different ways this novel shows the theme. Use 3 pieces of textual evidence to supporteach part of your answer answer.
  1. Essay/Extended Response: What are some other secondary themes in this novel? Choose one secondary theme to explain with at least three ways the theme is shown, and use 3 pieces of textual evidence to supporteach part of your answer.