The theme of identity and how it is shaped by family is an important one in the book. How much has Addie inherited from each of her parents? How has her experience of being raised by Alex impacted her? Justify your answer using examples from the text.

Addie’s mother, Lourdes, was raised by her grandmother after both her parents passed away when she was young. How might this experience have influenced her character? Does it play a part in her decision to keep Manny’s identity a secret from Addie? Why or why not?

How are Alex and Manny similar and yet different? Compare their characters with respect to their traits and the roles they play in Addie’s life.