Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

Why does Marcus punch Stephen, the school bully?

Because he called Charlie the R word

What was the response when Marcus asked Sergio (his dad's cousin) if he could call his father in Puerto Rico?

Sergio told Marcus that his dad didn't have a phone.

After Marcus gets really mad at his Aunt's farm, what does his mother decide to do?

She realizes that Marcus really needs to find and talk to his dad and she will help him find him.

What is the name of the little frog that can only be found in Puerto Rico?

The Coqui (co-key) frog

What sport does Charlie sign up for at the end of the book?

The Track team

Whatdoes Marcus consider his "office" at his middle school?

The back corner of the school library

Does Marcus still walk kids to school after he returns from Puerto Rico?

Yes, but now he doesn't accept money to do it.

Where was Marcus born?

Puerto Rico

What video game is Charlie and the other students at his school obsessed with?

"Clash of the Clams"

What phrase does Marcus' mom always say?

"Go Team Go"

What are some of the ways Marcus makes money at school?

1. He walks kids to and from school as a bodyguard 2. He collects cell phones and charges kids a "storage" fee. 3. A garbage tax. He collects trash for kids who leave it lying around so they won't get in trouble.

What kind of hat does Charlie like to wear?

A brown top hat

What does Danny (one of the boys Marcus walks to school) give Marcus to take to Puerto Rico?

A camera

What is a "Chinchorro"?

A little roadside stand in Puerto Rico that sells food and drink items

What is the petition that Danny starts at school?

A petition to stop Marcus from being expelled.

What does Tio Pepe (Uncle Pepe) make for Marcus and his family to eat when they visit his beach house?

A pork dish called Pernil.

What does Marcus have to cross to get to his room in the hostel?

A suspension bridge

When Marcus finally meets his father, what does his father try to sell him?

He asks him to ask his mom if she would like to buy a time-share at the resort.

What final words does Charlie say to his father at the end of the book?

He quotes from his favorite movie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: "You stole fizzy-lifting drink, so you get NOTHING! You lose! Good day, sir!"

What business does Uncle Ermenio have in Puerto Rico?

He runs a hostel which is a place where travelers can stay for cheap.

What does the principal suggest for Charlie?

He suggests that Charlie will do better in a school for children with his same disabilities. He thinks having Charlie at the same school with Marcus is too distracting.

Why does Marcus want to take a vacation to Puerto Rico?

He wants to look for his father.

Marcus finally receives an email back from his dad. What does it say?

He writes to Marcus that, if he is still in Puerto Rico, to come and visit him at the resort that he works at.

Who does Marcus say his hero is?

His mom

What does Marcus discover about the other students in his school at the end of the book?

Marcus discovers that they really aren't afraid of him and want to be his friends.

What does Marcus feel he really found in Puerto Rico (hint: it is not his dad!)

Marcus found a family

What does Marcus discover he is afraid of when he goes to the airport?

Marcus is afraid of flying.

What drink does Marcus try in Puerto Rico that he absolutely loves?

Coco Frio (a carbonated coconut drink)

What was Charlie born with?

Down Syndrome

Where are Marcus, Charlie, and their mom staying while they are in Puerto Rico?

Uncle Ermenio's house. He is the uncle of Marcus' father