Chapter 12 - The Final Night

Why did Papi put salsa (hot sauce) in his wild rice soup? How does this relate to the Martinez family?

(He likes spicy food, and even though wild rice soup is a bland Minnesota dish, the salsa makes it taste better for him. The Martinez family is bicultural, with Mami's Minnesotan culture and Papi's Mexican culture mixing together. )

Think about the phrase "Barriga llena, corazón contenta." (Full tummy, happy heart.) Can you relate to this saying?

(Many people become "hangry" when they haven't had food. Eating can put many people in a better mood.) 

Why is the whole family going to the final location? What might be a benefit of having Mami and Papi along?

(Don Toño set up the challenge to  be a family event. This could be good since it's an overnight and they might get scared. It could also possibly draw the family closer together and help them to make a special memory.)

Do you think that putting a puzzle piece under your pillow would allow you to travel in your dreams? Would you try it out?

(Nope, this isn't real, just like the virtual reality puzzle isn't real. Some people might be afraid to try it out, but being together as a family helped.)

Chapter 13 - Boundary Waters

How do you think Mami and Papi felt about being included in this part of the adventure? Do you think the family will remember this special experience?

(They  felt really happy to be able to share this experience with their kids. Everyone will remember this time together, and it will draw their family closer together.)

Have you ever been camping? Would you prefer to camp out as an animal or in a tent and sleeping bag? 

(Talk about the pros and cons of each option.)

Would you like to hear Papi sing the Moon lullaby? Click on this link to hear it. Does your family have a favorite lullaby or bedtime song?

Chapter 14 - The Painted Sky

Have you heard of the Northern Lights? Have you ever seen it in a picture or in real life? What do you think the experience would be like?

(It would be an unforgettable experience. Their family will remember this time together forever.)

Chapter 15 - Morning in the BWCA

How do Don Toño and Doña Rosa see the Martinez kids? Do you have any special older friends? How can you show them kindness? Do they show kindness to you as well?

(They see the Martinez kids like grandchildren. Elderly people find joy in spending time with kids, whether they are grandchildren or honorary grandchildren. Kids can visit them, help them, write them a card, or call them. Our friends or grandparents often show their kindness and love by spending time with kids or  giving special gifts. Everybody benefits.)

Don Toño says "you can't take it with you." What is he saying about treasure? 

(The treasure in virtual reality can't be transferred to real life. However, the lessons that they have learned can come back and be practiced in real life as well.) 

Chapter 16 - French Toast

How did Rico and the other kids feel about having to wait to find the treasure? What skill did they have to practice while they waited?

(They had to practice patience - waiting until it was the right time to go.)

Don Toño says that kindness is a treasure. How do the kids feel when they hear this?

(They recognize that being kind is important and begin to see its value. However, they really hope that there is a physical treasure as well.)

Chapter 17 - The Treasure Hunt

How do the kids show kindness to Araceli during the treasure hunt?

(Once again, they allow her to do the honors of opening up the tiny door and pulling out the treasure. This small gesture means so much to her.)

Family

Read the following verse.  What does it tell us about family? How did the Martinez kids honor their parents in this part of the story?

12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 

Exodus 20:12 NIRV

(Children should honor their parents and show them respect. Everyone will be happier and healthier with a peaceful family life. The Martinez kids practiced this by spending this special time with their parents and showing them respect and love.)

Treasure

Read the following verse.  What can we learn about earthly and heavenly treasures?

19 “Do not gather for yourselves riches on earth. Moths and rats can destroy them. Thieves can break in and steal them. 20 Instead, gather for yourselves riches in heaven. There, moths and rats do not destroy them. There, thieves do not break in and steal them. 21 Your heart will be where your riches are. 

Matthew 6:19-21 NIRV

(All of the things we store up on earth - money, fancy toys, big houses - won't matter once we die. However, when we serve others, we are storing up treasures in heaven that will never go away.)