How does Villaseñor’s speech at the English teachers’ conference introduce the memoir’s thematic elements? What does it reveal about the impact of his school experiences on his adult life?

Examine the role of language and storytelling in the memoir. How does Villaseñor’s experience with both Spanish and English shape his identity and sense of self? How does he depict his development as a writer?

Villaseñor’s narration extensively documents his experience of racism, abuse, and learning struggles at school. How does he depict the American educational system? How does he represent the flaws and possibilities of formal education throughout the memoir?