Exploring Cantaloupes in Chapter 6

Esperanza and her mother travel from Mexicali to Los Angeles, facing challenges at immigration. They meet family and adjust to life in a camp. Esperanza reflects on her past and encounters Marta, who introduces her to the struggles of workers in the camp.

What was Esperanza most worried about during the immigration process?

• Losing her belongings

• Being sent back to her uncle's

• Missing the train

• Not having enough money

Who greeted Esperanza and her mother when they arrived in Los Angeles?

• Immigration officers

• Family members

• Their new employer

• Their old friends

What did Esperanza notice about Los Angeles compared to the desert?

• It was colder

• It had no flowers

• It had lush palms and green grass

• It was more barren

What did Isabel look forward to in their new camp?

• Learning to read and going to school

• Working in the fields

• Cooking outside

• Living in a tent

What did Esperanza try to hear when she lay on the ground?

• The sound of the wind

• The heartbeat of the valley

• The noise of the city

• The voices of her family

How did Esperanza feel when she couldn't hear the heartbeat of the valley?

• Relieved

• Confused and uncertain

• Happy

• Angry

What was Marta's attitude towards Esperanza?

• Supportive

• Critical and biting

• Indifferent

• Friendly and welcoming

What did Marta suggest the workers might do to improve their conditions?

• Complain to the authorities

• Work harder

• Move to another camp

• Strike

Why did Marta criticize Esperanza?

• For not working in the fields

• For not speaking English

• For her privileged past

• For being lazy

What did Isabel say about the different camps?

• They all have hot water

• They have the same living conditions

• They are separated by nationality

• They all live and work together