Allusions

Cherokee Nation: The Cherokee Nation was established in the 20th century, and includes people descended from members of the old Cherokee Nation who relocated voluntarily from the Southeast to Indian Territory, and members who were forced to relocate on the Trail of Tears.

“We must have been getting closer to the heart of the Cherokee Nation, whatever or wherever it was, because as we drove east we saw fewer and fewer white people” (p. 273)

Allusions

Ozark Mountains: It covers much of the southern half of Missouri and an extensive portion of northwestern and north central Arkansas. The region also extends westward into northeastern Oklahoma and extreme southeastern Kansas

“I still would have to sayit’s stretching the issue to call the Ozark mountains, but they served” (p. 275)

Allusions Snake-in-the-can: The item was

invented by Samuel Sorenson Adams. Inspired by his wife’s nagging, he invented a spring snake - a coil of wire wrapped in a cloth skin, and compressed the two-foot snake into a little jam jar so that it would jump out when the lid was removed

“He kissed Esperanza and said something in Spanish…and fixed the flower in her buttonhole so that it sprang out from her chest like one of those snake-in-the-can tricks” (p.277)

Allusions

Social Security Card: issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents in the United States

“It was enough that I, a proven citizen with a Social Security card, was willing to swear on pain of I-don’t-know-what that they were all who they said they were” (p. 287)

Allusions

St. Christopher: is well known as thepatron saint of travelers, and his name means "Christ-bearer." Although decanonized in the late 20th century by the Roman Catholic Church, his medals are still worn. He was believed to have lived in the third century during the reign of Decius.

“Then she unclasped the gold medallion of St. Christopher, guardian saint of refugees, and put it around Turtle’s neck” (p.288).

Quotes

Esperanza is doing a lot better emotionally, and is growing closer to Turtle.

“When she held Turtle on her lap she seemed honestly happy” (p.277).

Direct characterization

Turtle really enjoys having Esperanza around, and is even becoming attached to her.

“Turtle and Esperanza were becoming inseparable. Turtle sat on her lap, played with her, and whined at the rest stops when Esperanza wanted to go to the bathroom by herself” (p.275).

Indirect characterization

Quotes

Mr. Armistead is an awkward man who takes his job seriously.

“Mr. Jonas Wilford Armistead was a tall, white-haired man who seemed more comfortable with the notarizing part of his job than with the public” (p. 284)

Direct characterization

New Characters/Settings

Lake o’ the Cherokees- where they go to find Turtle’s relatives; lush and mountainous

Cottage- two bedrooms, a fireplace, and bathroom

Mr. Jonas Wilford Armistead- owns the office where Taylor goes to receive custody of Turtle

Discussion Questions What were Taylor’s two wishes? Why do you think Esperanza cries while she is in the

adoption office? What is Taylor talking about when she says, “…it’s hard to

be depressed around a three-year-old…” (pg.280) Based on Turtle’s actions, do you really think she

understands what has happened to her real mother? Why or why not?

What does Esperanza give to Turtle? What significance does it have?

If Turtle could pick who her mom should be, who do you think she would pick? Why?