The Priesthood

Often the boys' games lead to violence that parallels the adult world.

What happens when they force Antonio to become their priest?

Dreams

I love the use of Antonio's dreams in the story. They are so vivid and filled with symbolism.

What do his dreams reveal about him? How do they change as he matures?

First day of school

When Antonio gets ready to go to school, Ultima sadly tells his mother and father that "he will be a man of learning".

Why do you think this makes her sad?

What a hard first day of school!

It reminds me of a story that a man I used to work with told me about being in school in the late fifties. He remembers they had to whisper in Spanish because they were physically punished if they were caught.

Do you think that Spanish speaking kids today have the same troubles?

1st question

Sorry for the lag in posting. The program that hosts this blog was having problems.

So far, I really like the book. I love Anaya's style of writing.

Why does Ultima think that Antonio is special? Despite the conflicts between his parents and the skepticism of their neighbors, why is the family's view of Ultima the one thing that they can agree?

Banned Book Week

This week is Banned Books Week. It's kind of a holiday for librarians. Personally, I am completely opposed to censorship and value intellectual freedom. I feel that it's a very American value that I hope most people share.

Bless Me, Ultima has been banned in many schools.

Celebrate Banned Books Week by reading the novel.

Here's a link to a list of frequently banned books.
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bbwlinks/100mostfrequently.htm

Have fun reading a book that someone doesn't think you should read!