Breathe and Count Back from Ten

Why is Verónica drawn to the idea of being a mermaid? How do mermaids relate to her ancestral heritage, and what do they symbolize for Verónica and her disability? How does Verónica’s attitude toward Mermaid Cove shift and why?

How does discovering love with Alex help Verónica discover her own strength and come to terms with her experience in the hot tub? How does Verónica’s relationship with Alex relate to her Personal and Sexual Autonomy?

What is the significance of the definitions that appear at the top of each chapter? How do they relate to the events of the chapter, and what do they signify about Verónica? Why are Words and Their Meanings such an important part of Verónica’s life?

How does Living with Disability affect Verónica’s relationship with her parents and peers? How does it affect her view of herself and the control she has over her life?

Consider stories such as The Little Mermaid and the legend of Huacachina. Why are mermaid legends and culture so prominent around the world? What is the appeal of this mythical creature?

How does the fact that Verónica’s family are immigrants influence her parents’ views of child rearing, attention seeking, and mermaiding? How do their views affect Verónica’s life and Personal and Sexual Autonomy?

What are Verónica’s flaws? What are the sources of these flaws, and what does it take for her to see herself clearly and start to change?

How does Verónica bridge the gap between the place she was born and the place she now calls home? How are Peru and Florida similar? In what ways are they different?