Minor Characters
Enrique Toro
The eldest of the Toro children, Enrique is off at college in Maryland on a soccer scholarship. Though Enrique insists that Mayor is the golden child, Enrique is the apple of his parents’ eyes, and Mayor feels that he is living in Enrique’s shadow.
Ynez Mercado
José’s wife and one of the Riveras’ new neighbors, Ynez is a supportive wife and friend who comes from Puerto Rico.
Phyllis
The translator for the Newark school district who helps Alma Rivera to understand and communicate with Maribel’s teachers. Phyllis also translates Maribel’s daily school reports so that Alma can keep up with her daughter’s progress.
Mrs. Shields
The English teacher at Community House, Mrs. Shields is enthusiastic and encouraging. She gives Alma Rivera, and the rest of the class, Spanish-to-English translation dictionaries and the dictionary becomes an important tool for Alma.
William
One of Mayor’s friends from school.