The Good Garden

1. The story says on page 342 that the new teacher, Don Pedro, has big ideas. What does this mean?

• He has plans that will lead to important changes.

• He thinks his ideas are better than those of others.

• His ideas are familiar to many people around the world.

• His plans are so large that they would be hard to carry out.

2. How does the townspeople's relationship with Don Pedro change over time? Think about pages 342 & 346 for your answer.

• At first they refuse to help him, but then they all volunteer.

• At first they want him to leave, but then they ask him to stay.

• At first they question his work, but then they begin to admire it.

• At first they fear he is like the coyote, but then they see he is different.

3. Why does María Luz try building terraces and composting at home? Page 346.

• She hopes this will help her garden grow crops again.

• She hopes this will make it easier to sell the family farm.

• She thinks this will trick the coyote into leaving her alone.

• She thinks this will help her new teacher feel more welcome.

4. Based on the last paragraph in the story, what will most likely happen next?

• Papa will use his money to buy seeds and fertilizer for the garden.

• Papa will ask María Luz to listen to him rather than to Don Pedro.

• Papa will go back to the highlands because he enjoys working there.

• Papa will learn from María Luz just like she has learned from Don Pedro.

5. What is the main theme of the story?

• Success requires a lot of practice.

• Be open to new ways of doing things.

• Think carefully before accepting advice.

• Making mistakes is a part of growing up.

6. What word goes with this definition: An unusual or interesting sight? (Glossary)

• spectacle

• spontaneous

• toddles

• retreat

7. How does this graphic help the reader?

• It shows the reader how many people live in the village.

• It shows you what the Senor Lobo looks like.

• It shows you what terraces look like.

• It shows you how poor the village is.

8. How did Maria Luz change from the beginning to the end of the story?

• When Papa went away, she felt worried and did not know what to do. Now she feels relieved and excited.

• When Papa went away, she felt relieved and excited. Now she feels worried.

• When Papa went away, she was scared of Don Pedro. Now she is no longer scared of Don Pedro.

• When Papa went away, she was relieved and no longer fearful. Now she is frustrated and upset.

13. On page 345 it says that Don Pedro plants marigolds beside the rows of seeds. Why does he do this?

• To make the garden look beautiful.

• To keep insects away.

• To confuse the coyote.

• To keep the soil from washing away.

15. What does the image on page 348 help the reader understand?

• How the villagers see Senor Lobo as an animal who threatens them and takes from them.

• How Senor Lobo helps the villagers grow radishes they can sell.

• How the big bad coyote is going to trick the kids and eat them.

• How Senor Lobo loves radishes and wants to eat them.