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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSIn 1956, Carlos lives in Ceiba Mocha, in the Cuban countryside just outside Matanzas, with Mamá, Papi, his little brother Lázaro and his sisters Maggie and Isaura. Across the road is his abuelos' sugarcane farm, where Abuelo helps him make a slingshot, and on Saturdays Abuelo takes the kids to the beach, where Carlos hunts for a shark's tooth. Papi, on the other hand, is always too busy for Carlos and keeps buying lottery tickets because he has big dreams. Then one ticket wins. Papi opens a furniture shop and moves the family to a big new house in the city, leaving behind the farm, Abuelo and Carlos's best friend Álvaro. There Carlos faces new neighbors, a new school and a classmate who calls him "country kid." All the while, Fidel Castro's revolution is moving closer, until someone pounds on the family's door at dinner and Carlos starts to notice that his father is keeping secrets. Carlos tells his own story in this full-color graphic novel.
Free Battle of the Books questions for How to Say Goodbye in Cuban
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about How to Say Goodbye in Cuban. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a dad dream of making the most beautiful furniture in the whole city?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
When Carlos asks why he buys lottery tickets, Papi says he has big dreams, like a shop of his own, a big new house, and the most beautiful furniture in all of Matanzas. Carlos wonders to himself what is wrong with the house they already have.
- First half
In what book do friendly neighbors down the street mention their son is away at school in America?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
Elena and Jorge Ortega walk over to welcome the family to the new house, and Elena asks Carlos his name. She tells them about their son Miguel and offers to help if the family needs anything.
- First half
In what book does a mother serve a pot of leftovers she calls "devil's stew"?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
With Papi's furniture orders drying up and not much at the market, Mamá makes a stew from leftovers that Carlos says smells weird. When Papi asks what's for dinner, she announces her new dish.
- Second half
In what book does a boy accuse his dad of lying about night fishing with the guys?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
When Papi leaves one evening with a fishing rod and tackle box, Carlos points out that he never goes out at night. Carlos says he saw what Papi has been doing in the shop, and Papi sends him to his room.
- Second half
In what book is a best friend's father hired at a state-run coffee farm?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
Abuelo tells Carlos that Álvaro's father got hired on at a state-run coffee farm in the mountains and the family goes next week. Álvaro explains that his dad says they have to go where the work is.
- Near the end
In what book does a grandfather tell a boy "Being scared doesn't mean you can't do the hard things"?
✓ Answer
How to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
On a dark road in the woods, Carlos hugs Abuelo and admits he doesn't want to go and he's scared. Abuelo tells him to remember where he comes from and be strong for his family.
