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They couldn’t believe that some kid from China who was still learning English could win,
Sense if agency is missing
chuckling. “You’ll really own Pennsylvania Avenue and Park Place?” “Hey, it can happen! If it can happen in Monopoly, why not in real life?” Hank insisted.
Theme of hope
like putting flyers out for local establishments. Or collecting customers’
Contribution to family success
I thought about Hank and his saltine burgers, and Uncle Ming and the loan sharks, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my cheeks. As my feelings coursed through my fingers into the sad music, I suddenly heard a sound from the back. Someone was in the auditorium listening to me.
Impact of her piano playing taking her away from her troubles
The front desk was my chocolate notebook and I was not letting it go. No way.
Chocolate notebook symbolism
That night, I could not stop thinking about Uncle Li and how he was willing to do anything, go literally anywhere, even into the belly of a Dumpster, to get what he wanted. Was that insanity or courage?
How far would you go to get what you want?
“You know what, Lupe?” I asked. “I hope our cable breaks down every day so you can come over.” “Me too.” Lupe grinned.
Importance Of friends
Lupe explained. According to her dad, there were two roller coasters in America—one for rich people and one for poor people. On the rich roller coaster, people have money, so their kids get to go to great schools. Then they grow up and make a lot of money, so their kids get to go to great schools.
Roller coaster analogy
The whole time, I looked back at Hank, at the frustration and fury in his eyes, as he said the words over and over, “I didn’t do it!”
Careful with stereotypes of police
racist!”
Definition of racist
I guess that’s because in America, it’s to each his own. Maybe that was why Lupe
Individualism vs collectivism
