Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer

Sue Griegson is the main antagonist, but there are qualities about her that indicate that she isn’t all bad. Why does Jones give this antagonist a good side and bad side?

Agnes writes that Sue Griegson isn’t bad, but she “makes bad decisions” (205). What do you think Agnes means by this in the context of caring for unusual chickens?

What is the significance of Sophie writing to her late relatives like Abuelita and Great-Uncle Jim instead of her friends back in Los Angeles?

How does Sophie’s heritage and brown skin impact her experiences? What about Mom and Abuelita’s experiences?

How do the additional text elements like the migas recipe, the chicken course survey, and the to-do lists help tell the story?

What does the padlock on the chicken coop symbolize?

Why do you think Mom refuses to do farm work? How does this characterize her?

What is the narrative significance of Hortensia’s letter in the final chapter?