The Distance Between Us: Young Readers Edition

Explore the ways in which Reyna’s relationship with her sister Mago helps her to survive her difficult childhood. How is their relationship depicted in the memoir? What does the memoir suggest about the nature of sisterhood?

How does the memoir explore the challenges and complexities of identity? How does Reyna’s conception of identity change as she gets older?

How does the memoir depict the immigrant experience? How is it different or similar to other memoirs and novels about Mexican immigration to the United States?

Compare and contrast Reyna’s life in LA to her life in Iguala. How is each place described in the memoir? How are they contrasted, and what is the wider significance of each in Reyna’s life?

Explore the ways in which books and stories help Reyna understand herself. How does the memoir explore the power of storytelling and education in personal development and identity formation?

Analyze how Reyna’s traumatic experiences, such as her father’s alcohol dependency and abuse, are depicted in the memoir. How does the memoir explore the effects of abusive family dynamics on children and young adults?

Analyze Reyna’s relationship with Diana Savas. How is Diana depicted? What is her wider significance in the text?

The memoir is often concerned with the issue of belonging and home. How are these concepts explored in The Distance Between Us?