Study Guide for MILAGROS by Meg Medina

  1. Some citizens of Las Brisas think Milagros is a good girl; some believe she is bad. How would you describe her? Would you choose her as a friend? Why or why not?
     
  2. Milagros feels ostracized by an event that was out of her control. What are some things that affect young people’s lives that are out of their own control?
     
  3. Señorita Alma is an adult that Milagros loves and admires. What are the qualities of this teacher that make her appealing? What are the qualities you look for in the adults you trust?
     
  4. Rosa is a mother with both positive and negative qualities. What are some of these qualities? In your opinion, is she a “good mother” to Milagros? Is Old Woman Perez a good mother to Mercedes? Why or why not?
     
  5. A good self-concept (being confident and at ease with oneself) is difficult for several characters in the novel. How does Miguel struggle with how he views himself? How does this affect the choices he makes? How does Miguel’s self concept contrast with Rosa’s sense of herself?
     
  6. Diana’s behavior toward Milagros is generally mean-spirited. Is she justified? Explain.
     
  7. Compare John Winters and Miguel de la Torre as fathers. How are they alike? How are they different?
     
  8. Feeling as though you belong is sometimes hard. What are the things that you use to decide if you are “okay” within your school and in your social groups? Why do you think it is hard for Milagros to think she belongs in Holly Pointe? Can you think of people in your community who might have similar obstacles to feeling as though they belong?
     
  9. Rosa tells Milagros that there is magic everywhere in the world if you know how to look. Think about people you admire. Can you think of examples of magic inside them?
     

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