In the Prologue, Carmen expresses her certainty that the sisterhood will never drift apart. What makes Carmen believe that their friendship will endure where their mothers’ did not? Is she correct in this belief? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Each of the protagonists experiences a pivotal moment of character growth that marks the progression of their coming-of-age journey. Identify what this moment is for each character. How are they different before and after?

How does each girl rely on her friends? What does each need from the others, based on her individual situation?